Controller for use with an air-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus is disclosed for mechanically-assisted liposuction treatment. The apparatus includes a hand-holdable housing, an electro-cauterizing dual cannula assembly, and a reciprocation mechanism. The hand-holdable housing has a cavity adaptable for receipt of the electro-cauterizing cannula assembly. The electro-cauterizing cannula assembly has a distal end and a proximal end and at least one aspiration aperture about the distal end. The reciprocation mechanism is disposed within the housing and is operably associated with the inner cannula so that the inner cannula can be selectively caused to reciprocate relative to the stationary outer cannula mounted to the hand-supportable housing. As the inner cannula is caused to reciprocate relative to the housing, the aspiration aperture formed through the distal end of the cannula assembly is caused to undergo periodic displacement. During aspiration of tissue, high-voltage RF power signal supplied to electro-cauterizing electrode structures formed about each reciprocating aspiration aperture to effect hemostasis thereabout. Such hemostasis is achieved by causing protein molecules within aspirated tissue to coagulate in response to the high-voltage RF signal being supplied across the electro-cauterizing electrode. In the preferred embodiments, the amount and rate of such aspiration aperture displacement is controllably adjustable. The cannula assembly is releasably detachable from the hand-holdable housing to facilitate cleaning and sterilization of the cannula assembly and the housing.

RELATED CASES

The present application is a Continuation of copending application Ser.No. 10/442,645 filed May 21, 2003; which is a Continuation-in-Part of:application Ser. No. 09/507,266 filed Feb. 18, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No.6,394,973 B1; which is a Continuation-in-Part of application Ser. No.08/882,927 filed Jun. 26, 1997, which is a Continuation of applicationSer. No. 08/307,000 filed Sep. 16, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,643,198,which is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 07/627,240 filed Dec.14, 1990, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,348,535; each said Application beingincorporated herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus forperforming liposuction, and more particularly to a method and apparatusfor performing liposuction in a mechanically assisted manner usingpowered expedients.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

Suction lipectomy, commonly known as liposuction or lipoxheresis, is awell known surgical procedure used for sculpturing or contouring thehuman body to increase the attractiveness of its form. In general, theprocedure involves the use of a special type of curet known as acannula, which is operably connected to a vacuum source. The cannula isinserted within a region of fatty tissue where removal thereof isdesired, and the vacuum source suctions the fatty tissue through thesuction aperture in the cannula and carries the aspirated fat away.Removal of fat cells by liposuction creates a desired contour that willretain its form.

Presently, there are two widely accepted techniques of liposuction andeach may be practiced using a conventional liposuction cannula. Thefirst and most common method proposed by Yves-Gerard Illouz anddescribed in the paper “Illouz's Technique of Body Contouring byLipolysis” in Vol. 3, No. 3, July 1984 of Clinics in Plastic Surgery,involves making regular tunnels at a depth of at least 1 centimeterunder the skin. According to this method, one or two insertions aremade, with radial excursions of the cannula into the fatty tissue of thepatient. The result is a multitude of concomitant sinuses formed belowthe subcutaneous fatty tissue, leaving intact as far as possible theconnections between the skin and underlying tissue, thereby retainingthe blood vessels, the lymphatics and the nerve endings. The secondmethod is the original liposuction procedure proposed by U. K.Kesselring, described in “Body Contouring with Suction Lipectomy,” inVol. 11, No. 3, July 1984, Clinics in Plastic Surgery. According to thetechnique, an entire layer of regular, deep fat is removed by aspirationthrough the cannula, leaving a smooth, deep surface of the residualpanniculus. The space thus created is then compressed, optimallyfollowed by skin retraction.

Both of these prior art liposuction techniques require that the surgeonpush and pull the entire cannula back and forth almost twenty times foreach insertion made. Typically, twenty to thirty tunnels are made. Thisis necessary to ensure even removal of fat in the targeted region.During this procedure, the surgeon typically massages the flesh in thearea of the aperture in the cannula, while at the same time thrustingthe rod in and out of the tunnel. Due to the trauma involved during theprocedure, the patient's skin turns black and blue for several weeks.Due to the physically exacting nature of the procedure, the surgeontypically comes out of an operating room extremely tired and suffersfrom muscular fatigue which prevents him from performing, for some timethereafter, delicate operations involved in ordinary plastic surgery.

Recently, the use of a “guided cannula” has been proposed by R. de laPlaza, et al., described in “The Rationalization of Liposuction Toward aSafer and More Accurate Technique,” published in vol. 13, AestheticPlastic Surgery, 1989. According to the technique, a cannula is used inconjunction with an outer guide sheath through which the cannula canslidably pass while held in place by the handle portion of the guidesheath. Once the cannula and its sheath have been introduced into thefatty tissue, the sheath guide remains in the tunnel and guidessuccessive introductions of the cannula, keeping it in the same tunnel.While the use of this liposuction technique offers some advantages overthe conventional unguided liposuction cannulas, the guided cannulanevertheless suffers from several significant shortcomings anddrawbacks. In particular, the guided cannula requires manually thrustingthe cannula through the guide sleeve repeatedly for each tunnel.Although this is a less physically demanding procedure, the surgeon mustthrust the cannula even more times through each tunnel to achieve thedesired effect and hence is still easily fatigued and prevented fromperforming, for some time thereafter, delicate operations involved inordinary plastic surgery.

In an attempt to solve the above-described problem, U.S. Pat. Nos.4,735,605 and 4,775,365 and 4,792,327 to Swartz disclose an assistedlipectomy cannula having an aspiration aperture which effectivelytravels along a portion of the length of the cannula, thereby obviatingthe necessity of the surgeon to repeatedly push the cannula in and outof the patient's subcutaneous tissue where fatty tissue is to beremoved. While this assisted lipectomy cannula can operate on either airor electric power, it nevertheless suffers from several significantshortcomings and drawbacks. In particular, the device requires an outertube with an elongated slot and an inner tube having a spiral slot whichmust be rotated inside the outer tube to effectuate a travelingaspiration aperture. In addition to the device's overall constructionposing difficulties in assembly, cleaning and sterilization, use with avariety of cannulas and highly effective fat aspiration does not appearpossible.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,302 to Cucin, Applicant discloses a poweredliposuction instrument which offers significant improvements over theinstruments disclosed in US Letters Patents above. However, the poweredliposuction instrument designs taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,302 are notwithout shortcomings and drawbacks. In particular, these liposuctioninstrument designs employ a single cannula which is designed toreciprocate relative to the instrument housing by relatively largeamounts (e.g. 1-10 centimeters). When using instruments of this priorart design, it is possible that such large scale movements of thecannula can accidently rupture tissue walls within the patient, causingcomplications which are best avoided by practicing surgeons at allcosts.

Accordingly, there is a great need in the art for amechanically-assisted lipectomy instrument which overcomes theshortcomings and drawbacks of prior art lipectomy apparatus.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Thus, a primary object of the present invention is to provide animproved method and apparatus for performing liposuction which assiststhe surgeon in the removal of fat and other subcutaneous tissue (such asbut not restricted to gynecomastia, ______) from surrounding tissue,with increased control, patient-safety, and without promoting physicalfatigue.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such apparatus inthe form of a hand-holdable liposuction instrument having a cannulaassembly, in which the location of the aspiration aperture isperiodically displaced as the inner or outer cannula undergoes slidingmovement relative to the hand-holdable housing.

Another object is to provide such a liposuction instrument in which therate of reciprocation and the amount of excursion of the aspirationaperture, are selectively adjustable by the surgeon during the course ofoperation.

Another object the present invention is to provide such a liposuctioninstrument which can be driven by air or electricity.

A further object of the present invention is to provide such aliposuction instrument, in which the cannula assembly can be simplydetached from the hand-holdable housing for ease of replacement and/orsterilization.

An even further object of the present invention is to provide animproved method of performing liposuction, in which one of the cannulasof the cannula assembly is automatically reciprocated back and forthrelative to the hand-holdable housing, to permit increased control overthe area of subcutaneous tissue where fatty and other soft tissue is tobe aspirated.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a power-assistedliposuction instrument, wherein means are provided along the cannulaassembly to effecting hemostasis during liposuction procedures and thelike.

Another object of the present invention is to provide suchpower-assisted liposuction instrument, wherein the hemostasis means isrealized using RF-based electro-cauterization.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such apower-assisted liposuction instrument, wherein RF-basedelectro-cauterization is carried out by providing electro-cauterizingelectrodes along the cannula assembly and supplying to these electrodes,a RF signal of sufficient power to achieve electro-coagulation and thushemostasis during liposuction procedures.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such apower-assisted liposuction instrument, wherein the outer cannula isrealized from a non-conductive material and electro-cauterizingelectrode elements are inserted within the aspiration apertures thereofand electrical wiring embedded along the outer cannula and connected toa contact pad embedded within the base portion thereof, and wherein theinner cannula is made from an electrically conductive material whichestablishes electrical contact with contact brushes mounted within thecentral bore of the base portion of the inner cannula.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such apower-assisted liposuction instrument, wherein RF supply and returnsignals are coupled to the cannula assembly by way of the base portionof the outer cannula.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a power-assistedliposuction instrument, wherein RF-based electro-cauterization isrealized using electrically conductive inner and outer cannulas whichare electrically isolated by way of thin Teflon coatings applied to theouter surface of the inner cannula and/or the interior surface of theouter cannula.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a power-assistedliposuction instrument, wherein ultrasonic energy of about 40 kHz iscoupled to the inner cannula in order to effect protein coagulationabout the aspiration apertures and thus achieve electro-cauterization(is hemostasis) during liposuction procedures.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such apower-assisted liposuction instrument, wherein such ultrasonic energy isproduced by piezoelectric crystals embedded within the base portion ofthe inner cannula and driven by electrical signals having a frequency ofabout 50 kHz.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a liposuctioninstrument, wherein the electrical drive signals are supplied to thepiezoelectric transducers by way of a pair of electrically conductiverails embedded within the interior surface of the cannula cavity of thehand-holdable housing of the liposuction device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a way of carryingout RF-based cauterization within a cannula assembly, wherein theoperating surgeon is enabled to perform lipolysis by driving thepiezo-electric transducers within the base portion of the inner cannulawith signals in the frequency range of about 20-25 kHz.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air-poweredtissue-aspiration (e.g., liposuction) instrument system, wherein thepowered liposuction instrument has an inner cannula that isautomatically reciprocated within a stationary outer cannula byelectronically controlling the flow of pressurized air streams within adual-port pressurized air cylinder supported within the hand-supportablehousing of the instrument.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered liposuction instrument system, wherein digital electroniccontrol signals are generated within an instrument controller unit andthese control signals are used to generate a pair of pressurized airstreams within the instrument controller which are then supplied toopposite ends of the dual-port pressurized air cylinder within thepowered liposuction instrument.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered liposuction instrument system, wherein the rear end of thepowered liposuction instrument has a pressurized air-power supply-lineconnector, an electrical control signal connector, an RF power signalconnector, and a tissue-aspirating tubing port.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered liposuction instrument system, wherein the front end of thepowered liposuction instrument supports an electro-cauterizingdual-cannula assembly releasably connected thereto.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered liposuction instrument system, wherein the poweredliposuction instrument has a hinged door panel that can be arranged inan open configuration so as to simply install the electro-cauterizingcannula assembly and connect the aspiration tubing thereto.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered liposuction instrument system, wherein a hingedspring-biased door panel is provided for controlling the rate ofreciprocation of the inner cannula.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered liposuction instrument system, wherein the maximum rate ofcannula reciprocation is achieved when the hinged spring-biased doorpanel is manually depressed its maximum amount.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered liposuction instrument system, wherein a dual-portair-cylinder is arranged within a hand-supportable housing, in operableassociation with an inner cannula actuator position sensing transducer,for measuring the instantaneous stroke position of the inner cannuladuring reciprocation operations.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered liposuction instrument system, wherein the base portion ofthe inner cannula is releasably locked within the a first recess of thecarriage portion of the inner cannula actuator and wherein the innercannula actuator is mounted to a block that is magnetically coupled tothe piston within the dual-port air cylinder structure, and wherein theslidable wiper of the actuator position sensing transducer is mountedwithin a second recess of the carriage portion of the inner cannulaactuator.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered liposuction instrument system, wherein a cannulareciprocation stroke control switch is mounted on the hand-supportablehousing of the instrument for operation by the surgeon's thumb, whereasthe cannula reciprocation rate control switch is realized using aflexible potentiometer that is deformed upon the surgeon squeezing aspring-biased hinged door panel provided on the instrument housing.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system which comprises: (1) ahand-held air-powered tissue-aspirating instrument adapted for use witha bipolar electro-cauterizing dual cannula assembly, and (2) astand-alone control console adapted for (i) receiving a source ofpressurized air from an external air source, and (ii) generating acontrolled stream of pressurized air that is supplied to said hand-heldinstrument, and also for (iii) receiving RF signals generated from anexternal (or internal) RF signal generation and supply module and (iv)supplying the received RF signals to said electrode structures withinthe bipolar electro-cauterizing dual cannula assembly, via saidstand-alone control console, during the use of the system in performingtissue aspiration (e.g. liposuction) procedures.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system, wherein an intelligentinstrument controller (i.e. control unit) is used to supply air-power tothe inner cannula reciprocation mechanism within the hand-supportableinstrument, and RF power to its electro-cauterizing cannula assembly,while communicating control signals between the instrument and itsintelligent controller.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system, wherein its instrumentcontroller comprises: an user control console having (i) a plurality ofmembrane type switches for selecting a desired cannula stroke lengthdimension (i.e. inches or centimeters) for measurement and display andfor enabling and disabling electro-cautery function selection, (ii) aplurality of LED indicators for indicating Power ON/OFF functionselection, cannula stroke length dimension selection, andelectro-cautery enable/disable function selection, (iii) a pair ofLCD-based display panels for displaying graphical (i.e., bar graph)indications of inner cannula reciprocation rate (in cycles/sec) andinner cannula position measured by the cannula position sensor mountedwithin the hand-supportable instrument, and (iv) a LCD-based panel fordisplaying measured numerical values for the instantaneous rate ofreciprocation for the inner cannula and the instantaneous stroke lengththereof, and a controller housing mounting a multi-core (i.e.air-supply/RF-power-signal/control-signal) connector assembly, as wellas providing an input port for receiving RF power signals generated froman external RF signal source, and an input port for receiving a sourceof pressurized air to drive the powered instrument of the presentinvention.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system, wherein (i) analogvoltage input signals are generated from within the powered liposuctioninstrument and supplied as analog input voltage signals to theintelligent instrument controller for detection, A/D conversion anddigital signal processing, (ii) digital voltage output control signalsare generated within the intelligent instrument controller and suppliedas output voltage signals to the powered instrument and also theair-control valve assembly within the instrument controller so as togenerate the pair of pressurized air-supply streams that are supplied tothe powered instrument via the multi-port connector assembly, and (iii)an analog control voltage output signal is generated within theintelligent instrument controller and supplied to the control input portof the external RF signal source (i.e. generator) to generate an RFpower signal and to supply the same to the instrument controller forcontrolled delivery to the electro-cauterizing dual cannula assembly ofthe powered instrument.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system, wherein its instrumentcontroller comprises a digitally-controlled multi-port air-flow controlvalve assembly.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system, wherein thedigitally-controlled multi-port air-flow control valve assemblycomprises (i) a central air-flow control port for connection to theexternal source of pressurized air, (ii) a left air-flow control portfor connection to the left side of the air-driven cylinder within theinstrument, and (iii) a right air-flow control port for connection tothe right side of the air-driven cylinder within the instrument.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system, wherein digital outputcontrol voltage signals are provided to electrically-controlledsolenoid-type air-flow control valves embodied within the multi-portair-flow control valve assembly, so as to electronically control theoperation of the air-pressure driven inner cannula reciprocationmechanism employed within the powered instrument of the presentinvention.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system, wherein the instrumentcontroller employs a system control program that runs on acustom-designed digital signal processor.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air-poweredtissue-aspiration instrument system, comprising (i) a hand-supportableair-powered instrument having an electro-cauterizing dual-cannulaassembly and a multi-core (i.e. air-supply/RF-power/control-signal)connector assembly, and (ii) an intelligent instrument controllerdesigned to (i) receive a pressurized air flow from an pressurized airsource and RF power signals from a RF power signal generator, bothexternal to said intelligent instrument controller, and to (ii) supply apair of pressurized air streams and RF power signals to thehand-supportable instrument during instrument operation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air-poweredtissue-aspiration instrument system, wherein a multi-core connectorassembly is provided comprising: (i) a first multi-port connectoradapted for installation in the rear end portion of the poweredinstrument housing as well as through the wall of the intelligentinstrument controller (as the case may be) and having a pair ofpressurized air-flow ports and a multi-pin electrical port forsupporting the communication of RF power signals between the instrumentcontroller and instrument and the communication of electrical controlsignals between the instrument controller and instrument; and (ii) asecond multi-port connector plug mated to the first multi-port connectorand adapted for connection to a multi-core cable structure including apair of air-supply tubes, a pair of RF power signal wires, and a set ofelectrical control signal wires, all of which is encased within aflexible plastic casing.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system, wherein the flexibleaspiration tubing connected to the inner cannula is routed out throughan exit port formed in the side surface of its hand-supportable housing.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system, wherein the air-poweredinstrument employs a curved electro-cauterizing dual cannula assembly,in which the curved hollow outer cannula is rigidly constructed whilethe hollow inner cannula is made from a flexible, pliant material suchas resilient medical grade plastic material or the like.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system, wherein the innercannula flexibly adapts to the rigid curved geometry of the outercannula structure during instrument operation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system, wherein an improvedbipolar-type electro-cauterizing dual cannula assembly is provided foruse with the powered instruments.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system, wherein the improvedbipolar-type electro-cauterizing dual cannula assembly is comprises anelectrically conductive (e.g. metal) outer cannula for releasablymounting within the hand-supportable housing of a powered instrument,and a molded or extruded plastic inner cannula for slidable support withthe outer cannula and reciprocation by the actuator.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system, wherein thenon-conductive inner cannula has a fine electrically conductive wiremolded within the walls thereof which terminate in an electricallyconductive ring about the aspiration aperture of the inner cannula, forconducting RF power signals from the base portion of the inner cannulato the electrically-conductive ring during powered tissue aspirationoperations.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system with an alternativeelectro-cauterizing dual cannula assembly, wherein a stream ofirrigation fluid is automatically pumped from the base portion of theouter cannula to the distal portion thereof, along a micro-sized fluidconduit formed along the surface walls of the outer cannula, andreleased into the interior distal portion of the outer cannula through asmall opening formed therein, for infiltration and irrigation of tissueduring aspiration in order to facilitate pump action.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air-poweredtissue-aspiration instrument system, wherein the inner cannula is loadedthrough an inner cannula loading port provided at the rear of theinstrument housing, and thereafter snap-fitted into position withinrecess in the carriage portion of the air-powered actuator structureinstalled therein.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system, wherein during suchinner cannula loading operations, the outer cannula is first connectedto the front portion of the hand-supportable housing, the actuatorstructure retracted to the rear portion of the hand-supportable housing,and then, the distal portion of the inner cannula is inserted firstthrough the cannula loading port, and then its base portion issnap-fitted within recess in the actuator carriage.

These and other Objects of the present invention will become apparenthereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the objects of the present invention,reference is made to the detailed description of the illustrativeembodiments which are to be taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the liposuctiondevice of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the liposuction device of thepresent invention taken along line 1B-1B of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is an elevated end view of the liposuction device of the presentinvention illustrated in FIG. 1A, showing the electro-cauterizingcannula assembly thereof retained within the cannula cavity of itshand-holdable housing, and alternatively with the hingedly connectedhousing cover panel disposed in an open position for removal of thecannula assembly therefrom;

FIG. 2A is a perspective, partially broken away view of theelectro-cauterizing cannula assembly of the present invention installedin the liposuction instrument of FIGS. 1A through 8C, in which theelectrically-conductive inner cannula adapted to freely undergo slidingmovement within the stationary electrically non-conductive outer cannulawhile electro-cauterization is performed about the aspiration aperturesthereof under the control of the surgeon;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the distal end of the inner cannulashown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2A;

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the electrically-conductive innercannula taken along line 2C-2C of FIG. 2B;

FIG. 2D is a perspective, partially broken away view of the electricallynon-conductive outer cannula shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2A;

FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional view of the electro-cauterizing cannulaassembly taken along line 2E-2E of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2F is a cross-sectional view of the cannula base taken along line2F-2F of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a plan view of a cauterizing electrode of the presentinvention adapted for insertion within the elongated aperture of theelectrically non-conducting outer cannula;

FIG. 3A 1 is an elevated side view of the cauterizing electrode of thepresent invention taken along line 3A1-3A1 of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3A 2 is an elevated side view of the cauterizing electrode of thepresent invention taken along line 3A2-3A2 of FIG. 3A 1;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the electrically-conductive collar andbrush device of the present invention which inserts with the centralbore formed in the base portion of the electrically non-conductive outercannula of the present invention shown in FIG. 2D;

FIG. 3B 1 is a cross-sectional view of the electrically-conductivecollar and brush device of the present invention taken along line3B1-3B1 of FIG. 3B;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another embodiment ofthe liposuction device of the present invention, illustrating analternative outer cannula retention means;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the liposuction deviceof FIG. 4A, illustrating an alternative inner cannula retention means;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of theliposuction device of the present invention, illustrating a means forcontrolling the mount of excursion of the aspiration aperture along thecannula assembly;

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of theliposuction device of the present invention, illustrating the use of apair of gas driven piston-type motors and a mechanically-operated gasflow control device disposed in its first state of operation;

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the liposuction device of thepresent invention taken along line 6B-6B of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of themechanically-operated gas flow control device illustrated in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional view of the gas flow control device of thepresent invention taken along line 6D-6D of FIG. 6C;

FIG. 7A is a perspective, partially broken away view of a snap-fit typeinner cannula intended for use with the liposuction device of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the outer cannula of the presentinvention taken along lines 7B-7B of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8 is a perspective, partially broken away view of a snap-fit typeouter cannula intended for use in connection with the liposuction deviceof FIG. 4A;

FIG. 9A is a plan cross-sectional view of another embodiment of theliposuction device of the present invention, having a hand-holdablehousing realized in the form of a pistol-shaped structure havingdetachable barrel and handle portions;

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional, partially broken away view of theliposuction device of the present invention taken along line 9A-9B ofFIG. 9A, showing the cam mechanism of the present invention;

FIG. 9C is an elevated cross-sectional view of the liposuction device ofthe present invention, taken along line 9C-9C of FIG. 9A, showing theinner cannula disposed at a first position within the cannula cavity ofthe hand-holdable housing, and the rotary motor and speed control unitin the handle portion thereof;

FIG. 9D is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the inner cannulaexcursion control means shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C;

FIG. 9E is a cross-sectional view of the liposuction device of thepresent invention taken along line 9E-9E of FIG. 9A, showing the rotarydrive wheel of the cam mechanism in operable association with theactuation element which projects through the cannula cavity and isengaged in the slotted base portion of the inner cannula, and alsoshowing in phantom lines the cover panel of the barrel portion disposedin an open configuration permitting insertion or removal of the innerand outer cannulas of the present invention;

FIG. 9F is an elevated partially broken away rear view of the barrelportion of the liposuction device taken along line 9F-9F of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of another illustrative embodiment ofthe liposuction device of the present invention, wherein a liposuctiondevice of the present invention is provided, having a double-actingair-powered cylinder with a magnetically-coupled actuator and theelectro-cauterizing cannula assembly of the present invention isinstalled;

FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the air flow controldevice employed in the liposuction device shown in FIG. 10, in which thecontrol valve thereof is mechanically linked to the reciprocating pistoncontained within the cylinder-style reciprocator within the housing ofthe liposuction device;

FIG. 11A is a perspective, partially broken away view of theelectro-cauterizing cannula assembly of the present invention installedin the liposuction instrument of FIG. 10, in which theelectrically-conductive inner cannula is adapted to freely undergosliding movement within the stationary electrically non-conductive outercannula while electro-cauterization is performed about the aspirationapertures thereof under the control of the surgeon;

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the distal end of the inner cannulashown in FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view of the electrically-conductive innercannula taken along line 11C-11C of FIG. 11B;

FIG. 11D is a perspective, partially broken away view of theelectrically non-conductive outer cannula shown in FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11E is a cross-sectional view of the electro-cauterizing cannulaassembly taken along line 11E-11E of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11F is a perspective view of the base portion of theelectrically-conductive inner cannula shown in FIG. 11 showing anelectrical contact pad embedded in the outer surface thereof forconducting the conductive rail embedded in the wall surface of thecannula cavity;

FIG. 11G is a cross-sectional view of the liposuction instrument takenalong line 11G-11G of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12A is a plan view of a cauterizing electrode of the presentinvention adapted for insertion within the elongated aperture of theelectrically non-conducting outer cannula shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 12A 1 is an elevated side view of the cauterizing electrode of thepresent invention taken along line 12A1-12A1 of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 12A 2 is an elevated side view of the cauterizing electrode of thepresent invention taken along line 12A2-12A2 of FIG. 12A 1;

FIG. 13A is a prospective, harshly broken away view of theelectrically-conductive outer cannula employed in an alternativeembodiment of the electro-cauterizing cannula assembly utilizable in theliposuction device of the present invention with suitable modifications;

FIG. 13B is a prospective view of a distal end of the inner cannulashown in FIG. 13A;

FIG. 13C is a cross-sectional view of the electrically conductive innercannula taken along line FIG. 13C-13C of FIG. 13A;

FIG. 13D is a prospective harshly broken away view of the electricallyconductive outer cannula shown in FIG. 13A, over which an electricallyinsulating coating such as Teflon is applied to the exterior surfacethereof;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an alternativeembodiment of the electro-cauterizing liposuction instrument of thepresent invention, wherein the reciprocation means is realized using acylinder-style actuator powered by a supply of pressurized air;

FIG. 14A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the airflow controldevice employed within the liposuction instrument of FIG. 14;

FIG. 14B is a prospective, harshly broken away view of theelectrically-nonconductive outer cannula employed in alternativeembodiment of the electro-cauterizing cannula assembly utilized in theliposuction instrument of FIG. 14;

FIG. 14C is a prospective view of a distal end of the inner cannulashown in FIG. 14B;

FIG. 14D is a prospective harshly broken away view of the electricallynonconductive outer cannula shown in FIG. 14B, over which anelectrically insulating coating such as Teflon is applied to theexterior surface thereof;

FIG. 14E is a prospective view of the base portion of the inner cannulaused in the cannula assembly of FIG. 14B, wherein an electrical contactpad is embedded in the side wall surface thereof of the base portion forengagement with an electrically conductive rail embedded within the sidewall surface of the cannula cavity within the liposuction instrument ofFIG. 14;

FIG. 14F is a cross sectional view of the base portion of the innercannula taken along line 14F-14F in FIG. 14E, showing a plurality ofpiezo-electrical transducers arranged about the lumen of the innercannula for producing and conducting ultrasonic energy signals forpropagation along the length of the inner cannula;

FIG. 14G is a cross sectional view of the liposuction instrument of FIG.14 taken along line 14G-14G of FIG. 14, showing a pair of diametricallyopposed electrically conductive rails embedded within the interior wallsurfaces of the cannula cavity of the liposuction instrument, whichestablish electrical contact with a pair of electrical contact padsembedded within the base portion of the inner cannula and are connectedto the array piezo-electric transducers mounted about the outer lumen ofthe inner cannula;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the liposuctiondevice of the present invention provided with monopolar electrocauteryelectrode structures along the distal portion of a single cannulaassembly;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the liposuction device of thepresent invention taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is an elevated end view of the liposuction device of the presentinvention illustrated in FIG. 15, showing the monopolarelectro-cauterizing cannula assembly thereof retained within the cannulacavity of its hand-holdable housing, and with the hingedly connectedhousing cover panel disposed in an open position for removal of thecannula assembly therefrom;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a first illustrative embodiment of themonopolar electro-cauterizing cannula assembly of the present inventionshown removed from the hand-supportable device of FIG. 15, wherein anelectrically-insulative outer coating is applied over an electricallyconductive cannula structure that is electrically connected to theactive lead of a unipolar electro-cautery power supply unit when thecannula assembly is installed within the hand-supportable device and thedevice is electrically connected to the power supply unit by way of anyelectrical cable;

FIG. 18A is a perspective view of the electrically-conductive contactelement installed in the notch structure of the cannula assembly, forestablishing electrical contact between the cannula assembly and thepower source in the hand-held housing;

FIG. 18B is a cross-sectional view of the base portion of the cannulaassembly shown in FIG. 18, taken along line 18B-18B drawn therein;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a second illustrative embodiment of themonopolar electro-cauterizing cannula assembly of the present inventionshown removed from the hand-supportable device of FIG. 15, wherein anelectrically-conductive cauterizing electrode, in the form of aneyelet-like structure, is mounted about the perimeter of the aspiration(i.e. suction) aperture in the cannula assembly, and electricallyconnected to the active lead of a unipolar electro-cautery power supplyunit when the cannula assembly is installed within the hand-supportabledevice and the device is electrically connected to the power supply unitby way of any electrical cable;

FIG. 20A is a perspective view of another alternative illustrativeembodiment of the air-powered liposuction instrument system of thepresent invention, wherein the automatic reciprocation of the inner andouter cannulas of the powered liposuction instrument is achieved byelectronically controlling the flow of pressurized air streams within adual-port pressurized air cylinder supported within the hand-supportablehousing of the instrument, using digital electronic control signalsgenerated within an instrument controller;

FIG. 20B is an elevated side view of the powered liposuction instrumentshown in FIG. 20A;

FIG. 20C is a top view of the powered liposuction instrument shown inFIG. 20A;

FIG. 20D is an elevated view of the rear end of the powered liposuctioninstrument of FIG. 20A, showing its pressurized air-power supply-lineconnector, its electrical control signal connector, and its RF powersignal connector, and also its vacuum-pressurized aspiration tubingestablishing a physically interface with the base portion of the innercannula through the rear end portion of the air-powered liposuctioninstrument;

FIG. 20F is an elevated view of the front end of the air-poweredliposuction instrument of FIG. 20A, showing the electro-cauterizingdual-cannula liposuction assembly of the illustrative embodimentreleasably connected to the front portion of the air-powered liposuctioninstrument;

FIG. 21A is a cross-sectional view of the air-powered liposuctioninstrument of FIG. 20A, taken along line 21A-21A in FIG. 20C;

FIG. 21B is a cross-sectional view of the air-powered liposuctioninstrument of FIG. 20A, taken along line 21B-21B in FIG. 20C;

FIG. 21C is an elevated side view of the air-powered liposuctioninstrument of FIG. 20A, showing its hinged door panel arranged in itsopen configuration with its electro-cauterizing cannula assemblyinstalled within the hand-supportable housing of the instrument, and itsflexible aspiration tubing disconnected from the end of the innercannula (and not shown);

FIG. 21D is a perspective view of the partially-assembled air-poweredliposuction instrument of FIG. 20A, shown with its right-half housingportion removed and its hinged spring-biased door panel arranged in itsopen configuration with its electro-cauterizing cannula assemblyinstalled within the hand-supportable housing of the air-poweredliposuction instrument;

FIG. 21E is a perspective view of the partially-assembled air-poweredliposuction instrument of FIG. 20A, shown with its left-half housingportion, its dual-port air-powered cylinder (i.e. reciprocationmechanism), its cannula reciprocation stroke length control switch, itscannula reciprocation rate control switch, and its electro-cauterizingcannula assembly removed from its hand-supportable housing for purposesof illustration, while its hinged spring-biased door panel is shownarranged in its open configuration;

FIG. 21F is an elevated cross-sectional view of the partially-assembledair-powered liposuction instrument shown in FIG. 21E, taken along line21F-21F indicated therein, with its hinged spring-biased door panelshown arranged in its closed configuration at its “zero” cannula ratecontrol position so as to provide the hand-actuatable cannulareciprocation rate control mechanism of the present invention;

FIG. 21G is an elevated cross-sectional view of the partially-assembledair-powered liposuction instrument shown in FIG. 21E, taken along line21G-21G indicated therein, with its hinged spring-biased door panelshown arranged in its closed configuration at its “maximum” cannulareciprocation rate control position so as to provide the hand-actuatablecannula reciprocation rate control mechanism of the present invention;

FIG. 22A is a perspective view of the left-half (LH) portion of thehand-supportable housing employed by the air-powered liposuctioninstrument shown in FIG. 20A;

FIG. 22B is a perspective view of the right-half (RH) portion of thehand-supportable housing employed by the air-powered liposuctioninstrument shown in FIG. 20A;

FIG. 23A is a perspective view of the dual-port air-cylinder driveninner cannula reciprocation subassembly arranged in association with itsinner cannula actuator position sensing transducer, shown removed fromthe hand-supportable housing structure of the powered liposuctioninstrument of FIG. 20A, and with the base portion of the inner cannulalocked within the carriage portion of the inner cannula actuator alongwith its actuator position sensing transducer;

FIG. 23B is a perspective view of the inner cannula actuator employed inthe inner cannula reciprocation subassembly shown in FIG. 23A;

FIG. 23C is a perspective view of the electrical subassembly employed inthe air-powered liposuction instrument, shown removed from itshand-supportable housing and comprising its inner actuator positionsensing transducer (removed from the carriage portion of the innercannula reciprocation subassembly), its cannula reciprocation strokecontrol switch (i.e. slidable potentiometer), its cannula reciprocationrate control switch (i.e. flexible potentiometer), its electricalconnector and its electrical wiring harness;

FIG. 24A is a perspective view of the electro-cauterizing dual cannulaassembly used in the air-powered liposuction instrument of FIG. 20A;

FIG. 24B is a cross-sectional view of the electro-cauterizing dualcannula assembly shown in FIG. 24A, taken along line 24B-24B indicatedtherein;

FIG. 24C is a cross-sectional view of the electro-cauterizing dualcannula assembly in FIG. 24A, taken along line 24C-24C indicatedtherein;

FIG. 25A is an elevated side view of the outer cannula component used inthe air-powered liposuction instrument of FIG. 20A;

FIG. 25B is a first cross-sectional view of the outer cannula componentused in the air-powered liposuction instrument of FIG. 20A;

FIG. 25C is a second cross-sectional view of the outer cannula componentused in the air-powered liposuction instrument of FIG. 20A;

FIG. 25D is a cross-sectional view of the outer cannula shown in FIG.25A, taken along line 25D-25D indicated therein;

FIG. 26A is an elevated side view of the inner cannula component used inthe air-powered liposuction instrument of FIG. 20A;

FIG. 26B is a cross-sectional view of the outer cannula component usedin the air-powered liposuction instrument of FIG. 20A, taken along line26B-26B indicated in FIG. 26A;

FIG. 26C is a cross-sectional view of the outer cannula shown in FIG.26A, taken along line 26C-26C indicated therein;

FIG. 27A is a perspective view of the intelligent instrument controller(i.e. control unit) of the present invention used in conjunction withthe air-powered liposuction instruments illustrated in FIGS. 20A, 35A,and 40A, wherein the instrument controller is shown comprising a numberof components, namely: (1) a user control console having (i) fourmembrane type switches for selecting a desired cannula stroke lengthdimension (i.e. inches or centimeters) for measurement and display andfor enabling and disabling electro-cautery function selection, (ii) sixLED indicators for indicating power ON/OFF function selection, cannulastroke length dimension selection, and electro-cautery enable/disablefunction selection, (iii) a pair of LCD-based display panels fordisplaying (bar graph indications of inner cannula reciprocation rate(in cycles/sec) and inner cannula stroke position measured by thecannula position sensor mounted within the hand-supportable liposuctioninstrument, and (iv) a LCD-based panel for displaying measured numericalvalues for the instantaneous rate of reciprocation for the inner cannulaand the instantaneous stroke length thereof, and (2) a compact housingmounting the multi-core connector assembly of the present invention, aswell as an input port for receiving RF power signals generated from anexternal RF signal source and an input port for receiving a source ofpressurized air to drive the air-powered liposuction instrument of thepresent invention;

FIG. 27B is a graphical representation of the user control consoleportion of the intelligent instrument controller shown in FIG. 27A;

FIG. 27C a schematic representation of an exemplary layout of thecomponents comprising the instrument controller of FIGS. 27A and 27B,and showing the various electrical and mechanical ports supportedtherewithin;

FIGS. 28A1 and 28A2, taken together, set forth a hybrid electrical andmechanical schematic representation of the air-powered liposuctioninstrument systems of FIGS. 20A and 35A, showing (i) analog voltageinput signals being generated from within the powered liposuctioninstrument and supplied as analog input voltage signals to theinstrument controller of FIG. 27A for detection, A/D conversion anddigital signal processing, (ii) digital voltage output control signalsgenerated within the instrument controller and supplied as outputvoltage signals to (a) the air-powered liposuction instrument and alsothe air-control valve assembly within the instrument controller togenerate the pair of pressurized air-supply streams that are supplied tothe liposuction instrument via the multi-port connector assembly, and(iii) an analog control voltage output signal generated within theinstrument controller and supplied to the control input port of theexternal RF signal source (i.e. generator) to generate an RF powersignal and to supply the same to the instrument controller forcontrolled delivery to the air-powered liposuction instrument;

FIG. 28B is the schematic layout of the components used on a prototypecircuit board to implement the power console board within the instrumentcontroller schematically described in FIG. 30A;

FIGS. 29A and 29B, taken together, set forth an electrical schematicdiagram of the analog and digital circuitry realized on the sole PCboard shown in FIG. 28B and mounted within housing of the instrumentcontroller shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B and schematically described inFIGS. 28A1 and 28A2;

FIG. 30 is a schematic representation of the digitally-controlledmulti-port air-flow control valve assembly employed in the instrumentcontroller of FIGS. 27A and 27B, illustrating its central air-flowcontrol port being connected to the external source of pressurized air,its left air-flow control port being connected to the left side of theair-driven cylinder within the liposuction instrument via the multi-corecable structure of the present invention, and its right air-flow controlport being connected to the right side of the air-driven cylinder withinthe liposuction instrument via the multi-core cable structure of thepresent invention, whereas digital output control voltage signals OP(8)through OP(11) are provided to the electrically-controlled valvesolenoids, as shown, to electronically control the operation of theair-pressure driven inner cannula reciprocation mechanism employedwithin the powered liposuction instruments shown in FIGS. 27A through28H;

FIG. 31A through 31E, taken together, sets forth the source code(written in Basic Language) for the primary thread program entitledRECIPROCATE to run on the custom-designed processor employed within theintelligent instrument controller schematically illustrated in FIGS.28A1 and 28A2 and shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B;

FIG. 32A through 32C, taken together, sets forth the source code(written in Basic Language) for the secondary thread program calledANALOG to run on the custom-designed processor employed within theintelligent instrument controller shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B, and calledby the primary program entitled RECIPROCATE;

FIG. 33A through 33C, taken together, sets forth the source code(written in Basic Language) for the tertiary thread program called SCALEto run on the custom-designed processor employed within the intelligentinstrument controller shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B, also called by theprimary program entitled RECIPROCATE;

FIG. 34 is a high-level flow chart of a electro-cautery enable/disablecontrol process carried out by the control program performedcollectively by the programs RECICPROCATE, ANALOG and SCALE illustratedin FIGS. 31A through 33C;

FIG. 35A is a perspective view on yet another illustrative embodiment ofthe air-powered liposuction instrument system of the present inventioncomprising (i) a hand-supportable air-powered liposuction instrumenthaving an electro-cauterizing dual-cannula assembly and a multi-core(air-supply/RF-power/control-signal) connector assembly, and (ii) anintelligent instrument controller designed to receive pressurized airflows from an pressurized air source and RF power signals from a RFpower signal generator, both external to said intelligent instrumentcontroller;

FIG. 35B is a perspective, partially cut-away view of thehand-supportable air-powered liposuction instrument of FIG. 35A, shownwith its hinged cover panel arranged in its open configuration revealingits inner cannula installed within the actuator carriage assembly andconnected to a section of flexible aspirating tubing that is ultimatelyconnected to a vacuum-pressured aspiration pump subsystem (not shown);

FIG. 35C is a cross-sectional, partially cut-away view of thehand-supportable air-powered liposuction instrument of FIG. 35A, takenalong line 35C-35C indicated therein, illustrating how the flexibleaspirating tube passes through the rear portion of the air-poweredliposuction instrument and is permitted to reciprocate with the movementof the inner cannula during instrument operation;

FIG. 36A is a perspective view of the multi-core cable construction ofthe present invention employed in the air-powered liposuction instrumentshown in FIG. 35A, shown removed from the hand-supportable instrumentand instrument controller, neatly coiled up to reveal the connectorsmounted on each end of the cable construction, and arranged for displayin relation to a pair of matched multi-port connectors employed therein,wherein one of these connectors is adapted for installation within theair-powered liposuction instrument, whereas the other connector isadapted for installation through the housing of the intelligentinstrument controller of the present invention;

FIG. 36B is a perspective view of the multi-port connector assembly ofthe present invention employed in the multi-core cable structure of FIG.35A, showing (i) its first multi-port connector adapted for installationin the rear end portion of the powered liposuction instrument housing aswell as through the wall of the intelligent instrument controller (asthe case may be) and having a pair of pressurized air-flow ports, andone multi-pin electrical port for supporting the communication of RFpower signals between the instrument controller and liposuctioninstrument and the communication of electrical control signals betweenthe instrument controller and liposuction instrument shown in FIG. 27A,and (ii) its second multi-port connector mated to the first multi-portconnector and adapted for connection to the multi-core cable structureof the present invention comprising a pair of air-supply tubes, a pairof RF power signal wires, and a set of electrical control signal wires,all of which is encased within a flexible plastic casing, as shown;

FIG. 36C is an alternative perspective view of the multi-port connectorassembly of the present invention shown in FIG. 36B;

FIG. 36D is a perspective view of the first multi-port connectoremployed in the multi-port connector assembly of FIG. 35A, viewed fromthe side which connects to air tubing and electrical wiring containedwithin the hand-supportable air-powered liposuction instrument (orwithin the intelligent instrument controller shown in FIG. 37A, as thecase may be);

FIG. 36E is a perspective view of the first multi-port connectoremployed in the multi-port connector assembly of FIG. 35A, viewed fromthe side which connects to the second multi-port connector of theassembly of FIG. 35A;

FIG. 36F is a perspective view of the second multi-port connectoremployed in the multi-port connector assembly of the present invention,viewed from the side which connects to the first multi-port connectorshown in FIG. 36E;

FIG. 36G is a perspective view of the second multi-port connectoremployed in the multi-port connector assembly of the present invention,viewed from the side which connects to the air tubing and electricalwiring contained within the flexible multi-core cable structure of thepresent invention shown in FIG. 36A;

FIG. 36H is a perspective view of one end portion of the completedassembled flexible multi-port cable structure of the present invention,shown in FIG. 36A, showing a plastic shroud covering the portion of thecable structure where the tubing and wiring is joined to the secondmulti-port connector thereof, to seal off these connection interfacesfrom dirt, and other forms of debris;

FIG. 37A is a perspective view of the intelligent instrument controller(i.e. control unit) of the present invention used in conjunction withthe powered liposuction instrument illustrated in FIG. 35A, showncomprising: (1) a user control console having (i) four membrane typeswitches for selecting a desired cannula stroke length dimension (i.e.inches or centimeters) for measurement and display and for enabling anddisabling electro-cautery function selection, (ii) six LED indicatorsfor indicating power ON/OFF function selection, cannula stroke lengthdimension selection, and electro-cautery enable/disable functionselection, (iii) a pair of LCD-based display panels for displaying (bargraph indications of inner cannula reciprocation rate (in cycles/sec)and inner cannula position measured by the cannula position sensormounted within the hand-supportable liposuction instrument, and (iv) aLCD-based panel for displaying measured numerical values for theinstantaneous rate of reciprocation for the inner cannula and theinstantaneous stroke length thereof, and (2) a compact housing mountinga multi-port connector assembly shown in FIG. 36B, as well as an inputport for receiving RF power signals generated from an external RF signalsource, and an input port for receiving a source of pressurized air todrive the powered liposuction instrument of the present invention;

FIG. 37B is a graphical representation of the user control consoleportion of the intelligent instrument controller shown in FIG. 27A;

FIGS. 38A through 38C, taken all together, set forth a hybrid electricaland mechanical schematic representation of the air-powered liposuctioninstrument systems of FIGS. 20A and 35A, showing (i) analog voltageinput signals being generated from within the air-powered liposuctioninstrument and supplied as analog input voltage signals to theinstrument controller for detection, A/D conversion and digital signalprocessing, (ii) digital voltage output control signals being generatedwithin the instrument controller and supplied as output voltage signalsto (a) the air-powered liposuction instrument via the multi-core cablestructure and multi-port connector assembly of the present invention aswell as to the air-control valve assembly within the instrumentcontroller to generate the pair of pressurized air-supply streams thatare supplied to the liposuction instrument via the multi-port connectorassembly, and (iii) an analog control voltage output signal beinggenerated within the instrument controller and supplied to the controlinput port of the external RF signal source (i.e. generator) to generatean RF power signal and to supply the same to the instrument controllerfor controlled delivery to the air-powered liposuction instrument viathe multi-core cable structure and the multi-port connector assembly ofthe present invention;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of yet another illustrative embodiment ofthe air-powered liposuction instrument of the present invention, whereinthe flexible aspiration tubing connected to the inner cannula is routedout through an exit port formed in the side surface of the rear portionof its hand-supportable housing;

FIG. 40A is an elevated side view of an alternative embodiment of theair-powered liposuction instrument of the present invention, employing acurved bi-polar type electro-cauterizing dual cannula assembly, whereinthe curved hollow outer cannula is rigidly constructed while the hollowinner cannula is made from a flexible material such as resilient medicalgrade plastic material or the like;

FIG. 40B is a cross-sectional view of the air-powered liposuctioninstrument shown in FIG. 38A, taken along line 38B-38B indicatedtherein, showing how that the inner cannula flexibly adapts to the rigidcurved geometry of the outer cannula structure during inner cannulareciprocation operations;

FIG. 41A is a schematic representation of an alternative bipolar-typeelectro-cauterizing dual cannula assembly for use with the poweredliposuction instruments of the present invention, shown comprising anelectrically conductive (e.g. metal) outer cannula for releasablymounting within the hand-supportable housing of a powered liposuctioninstrument, and a molded or extruded plastic inner cannula for slidablesupport with the outer cannula and reciprocation by the poweredactuator, and wherein the plastic (non-conductive) inner cannula has afine electrically conductive wire molded within the walls thereof whichterminate in an electrically conductive ring about the aspirationaperture of the inner cannula, for conducting RF power signals from thebase portion of the inner cannula to the electrically-conductive ringduring powered liposuction and other tissue aspiration operations;

FIG. 41B is a schematic representation of an inner cannula structure foruse with the bipolar electro-cauterizing dual cannula assembly shown inFIG. 41A;

FIG. 42 is a schematic representation of an alternative bi-polar typeelectro-cauterizing dual cannula assembly for use in the poweredliposuction instruments of the present invention, wherein a stream ofirrigation fluid is pumped from the base portion of the outer cannula tothe distal portion thereof, along a micro-sized fluid conduit formedalong the surface walls of the outer cannula, and released into theinterior distal portion of the outer cannula through a small openingformed therein, so as to infiltrate and irrigate tissue duringaspiration operations;

FIG. 43A is a schematic diagram of an alternate design for anelectro-cauterizing powered liposuction instrument of the presentinvention, wherein the inner cannula is loaded through an inner cannulaloading port provided at the rear of the instrument housing andsnap-fitted into position within the carriage portion of the air-poweredactuator structure installed therein; and

FIG. 43B is a schematic diagram of the base portion of the inner cannuladesigned for use with the rear-loading instrument design shown in FIG.43A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to FIGS. 1A through 3D, the first embodiment will bedescribed. In general, liposuction device 1A comprises hand-holdablehousing 2, a detachable electro-cauterizing cannula assembly 3 havinginner and outer cannulas 4 and 5, and a reciprocation means 6 forcausing inner cannula 4 to reciprocate relative to outer cannula 5,which is stationarily disposed with respect to housing 2. Thisarrangement effectuates periodic displacement of the general location ofaspiration along the cannula assembly through the reciprocating movementof inner cannula 4 while permitting electro-cauterization of aspiratedtissue during operation of the liposuction device.

As illustrated in greater detail in FIGS. 1B, and 2A through 2E, theelectro-cauterizing cannula assembly 3 of the present inventioncomprises an electrically-conductive inner cannula 4 and an electricallynon-conductive outer cannula 5, each comprising hollow inner and outertubes with distal and proximal ends 4A, 4B and 5A, 5B, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the outer cannula 5 comprises a hollowouter tube having a distal end 5A and a proximal end 5B. Four outeraspiration (i.e., suction) apertures generally indicated by referencenumerals 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D are provided on the distal end of the innercannula. As shown, elongated apertures 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D terminate at apredetermined distance away from outer cannula tip 5C, which isessentially blunt for purposes of safety. In general, the length of eachof these elongated outer apertures is substantially longer than thelongitudinal extent of each respective inner aperture. In theillustrated embodiment, the ratio of these lengths is about 1 to 4;however, in other embodiments, this ration may differ as desired orrequired in a given application. In a typical embodiment, the length ofthese elongated outer apertures would be within the range of, forexample, two to six inches, commensurate with the amount of displacementto be achieved by each inner aperture.

As illustrated in FIG. 1B, an outer cannula base 17 extends from theproximal end of outer tube 5. The outer cannula base 17 comprising acylindrical structure having a central bore 18, through which distal tip4C and body of inner cannula 4 can freely pass. The outer cannula base17 of the illustrative embodiment includes a flanged portion 19 whichfits within an annular recess 18 formed in cannula cavity 20 of thehand-holdable housing.

As shown in FIG. 2B, an inner cannula base 10 extends from the proximalend of inner tube 4. As shown, the inner cannula base 10 comprises acylindrical structure having an outlet port 11 formed in its remote end.The inner cannula base 10 of the illustrative embodiment includes anotch or slot 12 formed in its central most portion. As will bedescribed in greater detail hereinafter, notch 12 functions toreleasably receive an extensional portion 13 of actuation element 37, inorder to actuate reciprocation of inner cannula 4 within housing 2. Asillustrated in FIG. 2B, inner cannula 4 has a continuous passageway 14which extends from inner aspiration opening 9 to outlet port 11. Asshown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the inner aspiration apertures originatebetween the distal tip portion 4C. As shown, elongated apertures 16A,16B, 16C and 16D terminate at a predetermined distance away from outercannula tip 5C, which is essentially blunt for purposes of safety. Ingeneral, the length of each of these elongated inner apertures issubstantially longer than the longitudinal extent of each respectiveouter aperture. In the illustrated embodiment, the ratio of theselengths is about 1 to 4; however, in other embodiments, this ratio maydiffer as desired or required in a given application. In a typicalembodiment, the length of these elongated apertures would be within therange of, for example, two to six inches, commensurate with the amountof displacement to be achieved by each outer aperture with itselectro-cauterizing element.

While not shown, a conventional vacuum source is connected to outletport 11, preferably using optically transparent, semi-flexible tubing15. With this arrangement, fatty tissue, aspirated fat tissue can besuctioned through apertures 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D and opening 9 andtransported along passageway 14 to a reservoir device (not shown),operably associated with the vacuum source.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2E, electrically-conductive cauterizingelectrodes 160A, 160B, 160C and 160D are inserted about the perimeter ofouter aspiration apertures 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D, respectively, andfastened thereto by snap-fitting, adhesive or like means. As shown inFIGS. 3A, 3A1 and 3A2, each electrically-conductive electrode comprises:a sidewall portion 161 which circumferentially extends about theperimeter of the respective aperture formed in the outer cannula; anopening 162 for permitting aspirated tissue and fat and the like to flowtherethrough into the interior of the inner cannula; and acircumferential flange 163 substantially perpendicular to sidewallportion 161 and adapted to fit within a recessed groove 164 extendingabout the upper outer surface of the respective outer aspirationaperture formed in the electrically non-conductive outer cannula. In theillustrative embodiments, cauterizing electrodes 160A through 160D aremade from stainless steel, brass, gold or any otherelectrically-conductive material that is suitable for contact with humantissue during liposuction and like surgical procedures.

As shown in FIG. 2D, the base portion of the outer cannula is providedwith a pair of spaced apart recesses 165A and 156B for receiving andsecuring a first and second electrically-conductive contact pads 166Aand 166B, respectively. A first groove 167 is formed within the outersurface of the outer cannula 5 and base portion 19 in order to receive afirst length of electrical wiring 168 which establishes electricalcontact between the set of cauterizing electrodes 160A through 160D andan electrically-conductive contact pad 166B. Similarly, a second groove169 is formed within the outer surface of the outer cannula and baseportion 19 in order to receive a second length of electrical wiring 170which establishes electrical contact between the set of cauterizingelectrodes 160A through 160D and second electrically-conductive contactpad 166A. A sealing material such as melted plastic can be used to closeoff the grooves 167 and 169 once the electrical wiring has been recessedwithin the groove. Alternatively, a thin, outer plastic cannula sleevehaving an inner diameter slightly greater than the outer diameter ofouter cannula 5 can be slid thereover and secured to the base portionthereof 19 using screw-threads, snap-fit fastening, ultrasonic-welding,adhesive or the like. When completely assembled, electrically-isolatedcontact pads 166A and 166B are mounted within the side walls surface ofthe base portion 1, as shown in FIG. 2A. It is understood, however, thatcontact elements 166A and 166B can be mounted elsewhere in the baseportion of the outer cannula.

As shown in FIGS. 2A, an electrically-conductive collar and brush device17 shown in FIGS. 3B and 3B1 is inserted within the central bore formedin the base portion 19 of the electrically non-conductive outer cannula.The collar and brush device 171 comprises a cylindrical tube 172 madefrom electrically-conductive material (e.g., stainless steel) having anouter diameter that is slightly less than the diameter of the centralbore formed through the base portion of the inner cannula. As shown inFIGS. 3B and 3B1, a pair of diametrically-opposed leaf-like electricalcontact elements 173A and 173B project inwardly from the cylindricalwalls of the device towards it s axial center. As best shown in FIG. 2F,the function of electrical contact elements 173A and 173B is toestablish electrical contact between second contact pad 166A (on baseportion 10) and electrically conductive inner cannula 4 when the innercannula is slid through the central bore 18 of the outer cannula, asshown in FIG. 2A. A small annular flange 174 is formed on one end of thecylinder 172 to delimit the depth of its insertion.

As shown in FIG. 2E, the sidewall portion 161 of each cauterizingelectrode 160A through 160D is of sufficient width (w_(g)) to provide agap region 175 between (i) the electrically-conductive inner cannula 4adjacent the electrode and (ii) the sidewall portion 161 thereof.Preferably, the width of each gap 175 is selected so as to minimizeelectrical arcing (i.e., sparking) between each electrode 160 and theelectrically conductive inner cannula 4 when an RF signal of, forexample, about 5000 kHz at 800 Volts is applied thereacross duringelectro-cauterization.

As shown in FIG. 1B, contact pads 166A and 166B establish electricalcontact with conductive elements 176A and 176B and are embedded withinrecess 17. Electrically conductive elements 176A and 176B are connectedto the RF supply and RF return signal terminals 177A and 177B,respectively, of bipolar RF signal generator 178. In the preferredembodiment, RF bipolar signal generator 178 is realized as the InstantResponse™ Electrosurgical Generator (Model Force FX) by ValleyLabInternational, a subsidiary of Pfizer. Inc. This ElectrosurgicalGenerator can be easily connected to the electro-cauterizing electrodeshereof by electrical cabling 179 in order to drive the same with bipolaroutputs produced from the Electrosurgical Generator. Notably, theInstant Response Electrosurgical Generator 178 includes three bipolaroutput modes, namely: Low/Precise; Medium/Standard; and Macrobipolar.When operated in the Low and Medium bipolar modes, low output voltagesare produced in order to prevent sparking across the electro-cauterizingelectrodes.

When inner cannula 4 is installed within outer cannula 5, as shown inFIGS. 1A and 2A, inner apertures 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D are able to freelyslide along elongated outer apertures, 16A, 16B, 16C and 16D,respectively. Also, at each positioning of the inner cannula within theouter cannula, aspiration is permitted through each “effective”aspiration (i.e., suction) aperture formed by the partial registrationof each inner aspiration aperture with its corresponding outeraspiration aperture. Aspiration through these resulting effectiveaspiration apertures or openings, continues along passageway 14 andexits through outlet port 11. Consequently, the general location ofaspiration along cannula assembly 3 is periodically displaced as innercannula 4 is reciprocated relative to outer cannula 5, which isstationary with respect to the hand-supportable housing 2.

In order to maintain inner aspiration apertures 8A, 8B, 8C and 8Daligned with outer aspiration apertures 16A, 16B, 16C and 16D,respectively, and thus ensure partial registration therebetween, thedistal end of the inner and outer tubes are provided with a keyingsystem. In the illustrated embodiment, the keying system comprises akeying element 4D disposed on outer surface of the inner cannula, beforedistal tip 4C. Keying element 4D can be a rigid or flexible element thatslides within an elongated outer aperture (e.g. 16B) and prevents axialrotation between cannulas 4 and 5 as they undergo relativereciprocation. To assemble cannula assembly 3, distal tip 4C of theinner cannula is inserted through bore 18 in outer cannula base 17 sothat the distal end of inner cannula 4A is slidably received withinouter cannula 5, as shown in FIG. 3A. In this configuration, keyingelement 4D is received and guided within elongated aperture 8B′ asshown. In this general configuration, cannula assembly 3 is installedwithin cannula cavity 20 by first opening housing cover 21, shown inFIG. 1C. Then outer cannula base flange 17 is inserted within annularrecess 19 and actuation extension 13 within inner cannula base notch 12.Thereafter, housing cover 21 is closed shut and liposuction device 1A isready for operation. A conventional vacuum source is then connected tooutlet port 11, preferably using optically transparent, semi-flexibletubing 15. With this arrangement, fatty tissue, aspirated throughapertures 8A/16B, 8B/16B and 8C/16C and 8D/16D and opening 9, can betransported through passageway 14 to a reservoir device (not shown),operably associated with the vacuum source.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the gross geometry of housing 2 is preferably thatof an ellipsoid, however, other geometries such as, for example, acylindrical structure, can be used in practicing the present invention.Housing 2 contains cannula cavity 20, which extends along the entirelongitudinal extent of the hand-holdable housing. In the illustratedembodiment, cannula cavity 20 has generally cylindrical bearing surfaces22 which match the outer bearing surface 23 of inner cannula base 10, topermit sliding movement of inner cannula 3 within cavity 20. Whilecylindrical bearing surfaces have been selected in the illustratedembodiment, the use of other forms of bearing surfaces (e.g.,rectangular or triangular) is contemplated. To minimize friction,bearing surfaces 22 and 23 may be coated with a Teflon® or functionallyequivalent coating, to facilitate easy sliding of inner cannula base 10within cavity with low wear. As illustrated in FIG. 1B, cannula cavity20 also includes annular recess 19, into which annular base flange 19 isadapted to be received in order to render the outer cannula essentiallystationary with respect to hand-holdable housing 2.

As shown in FIG. 1B, electrical contact pads 176A and 176B are embeddedwithin surface-recesses formed within the wall surfaces of the annularrecess 19. Preferably, electrically-conductive contact pads 176A and176B are made from electrically conductive material having a shapedwhich is similar to the shape of electrically conductive pads 166A and166B that are embedded within the outer surface of the base portion ofthe outer cannula 5. When the cannula assembly of this embodiment isinstalled within the hand-holdable housing, the electrical contact pads166A and 166B on the base portion of the outer cannula willautomatically establish electrical contact pads 176A and 176B withinrecess 19, respectively. In this way, the RF supply and return voltagesfrom RF signal generator 178 are automatically applied to theelectro-cauterizing electrodes embedded within the cannula assembly ofthe present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 1C, hand-holdable housing 2 is provided with ahinged cover 21. Hinged cover 21 allows cannula cavity 20 to be openedand accessed so that cannula assembly 3 can be selectively installed incannula cavity 20 and removed therefrom as desired or required. Coverpanel 21 has a semi-circular cross-sectional geometry and is connectedto the remaining portion of housing 2 by a conventional hinge means 25.To secure cover panel 21 to the remainder of housing 2, a releasablelocking means 26 is provided at the interface of hinge cover 21 andhousing 2, as shown. Releasable locking means 26 can realized in avariety of ways, including, for example, using a spring biased lampelement 27 which engages in a notch 28 formed in the external surface ofthe remaining housing portion, as illustrated in FIG. 1C.

In general, there are numerous ways to effectuate reciprocation of innercannula 4 within cannula cavity 20 and thus within stationary outercannula 5. Examples of possible reciprocation means 6 include, but arenot limited to, gas or electrically driven motor(s). In the embodimentsillustrated in FIGS. 1A through 1C, FIGS. 4A through 6A, FIGS. 7 through8A, FIGS. 6A through 6D, and FIGS. 10 through 14D, one or more gasdriven piston-type motors are employed to realize the reciprocationmeans 6 within the liposuction instrument. In the embodiment illustratedin FIGS. 9A through 9F, a rotary-type motor is used to realizereciprocation means 6 of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 1B, a piston-type motor 6 is mounted within amotor cavity 30 provided adjacent cannula cavity 20 of housing 2.Notably, this reciprocation means cavity 30 extends essentially parallelto cannula cavity 20 and along a substantial portion of the longitudinaldimension of hand-holdable housing as will become more apparenthereinafter. This unique spatial relationship between the cannula cavityand reciprocation means cavity within housing 20, ensures optionalcannula displacement relative to longitudinal dimensions of thehand-holdable housing.

In general, motor 6 comprises a chamber housing 31 having a gas inletport 32 and an inner chamber generally indicated by reference numeral33. Slidably received within the inner chamber of housing 31 is amovable piston 34 having formed in the lower portion wall 35, one ormore gas outlet ports 36. Mounted to the top portion of movable piston34 is actuation element 37, whose extension 13 projects throughlongitudinally disposed slot 38 formed in the bearing wall surface 22 ofcannula cavity 20. As shown in FIG. 1B, actuation extension 13 passingthrough slot 38, is received within notch 12 formed in inner cannulabase 10 and operably associates inner cannula 3 with motor 6.

As illustrated in FIG. 1B, chamber housing 31 is fixedly disposed withinmotor cavity 30. Motor cavity 30 is also provided with at least one port39 for ventilating to the ambient environment, gas released from innerchamber 33 upon movable piston 34 reaching it maximum displacement orexcursion. Movable piston 34 is biased in the direction of chamberhousing 31 by way of a spring biasing element 40. The compliance ofspring biasing element 40 can be adjusted by moving the position ofslidable wall 41 by rotating, for example, threaded element 42 passingthrough a portion 43 of housing 2, as shown. With this arrangement,adjustment of wall 41, closer to or farther from chamber housing 31,results in decreasing or increasing, respectively, the compliance ofspring biasing element 40. This mechanism, in turn, provides a simple,yet reliable way in which to control the rate of reciprocation ofmovable piston 34, and thus the rate of reciprocation of inner cannula 3relative to housing 2.

The manner of operation of piston-type motor 6 is described as follows.Gas, such as pressurized air or N₂ gas, is introduced under constantpressure to inlet port 32 of chamber housing 31. As the gas fills up thevolume enclosed by the interior walls of movable piston 34 and chamber33, inner chamber 33 begins to expand, forcing movable piston 34upwardly against the biasing force of spring biasing element 40. Whenmovable piston 34 is displaced sufficiently enough from chamber housing31 so that gas within expanding chamber 33 can be released through gasexit port 39 to the ambient atmosphere, piston 34 will be forced backdownwardly into chamber housing 31. The rate of the forced downwardpiston movement is inversely proportional to the compliance of springbiasing element 40. Subsequently, chamber 33 will again fill up withgas, piston 34 will again be displaced and gas subsequently vented,whereupon reciprocating displacement of piston 34 will be repeated againin a cyclical manner. Since movable piston 34 is operably connected withinner cannula base 10 by way of actuation element 37, this reciprocatingmovement of piston 34 results in reciprocating movement of inner cannula3 within cannula cavity 20. Furthermore, this relative reciprocationbetween the inner cannula and the outer cannula results in periodicdisplacement of the effective aspiration apertures along the distal endportion of the cannula assembly.

As illustrated in FIG. 1B, the amount of excursion that piston 34 ispermitted to undergo before gas venting and subsequent downward pistonmovement occurs, is determined by the distance “d” defined between gasoutput port 32 and top wall surface 47 of chamber housing 31. A typicalcannula excursion distance of about four inches, for example, willnecessitate that the parameter d, defined above, be also about fourinches.

In FIGS. 4A and 4B, a second embodiment of the liposuction device of thepresent invention is shown. Liposuction device 1B has an alternativecannula assembly retention means while inhering all of the structuralfeatures of the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A through 1C. Inparticular, liposuction device 1B does not have a hingedly connectedhousing cover panel, and instead incorporates a snap-fit type cannulaassembly retention mechanism. In accordance with this embodiment,actuation element 37′ has an extension which is essentially flush withelongated slot 38 formed in cavity wall 22.

In FIGS. 4A and 4B, an alternative embodiment of the electro-cauterizingcannula assembly hereof is shown. This cannula assembly is similar tothe above-described cannula assembly in all respectives except theextension on actuation element 37. In this alternative embodiment, theextension on actuation 37′ is provided with a spring biased ball bearing48 that projects slightly beyond cannula cavity wall surface 22. Wheninner cannula base 10′ is pushed into cannula cavity 20 in the vicinityof actuation element 37′, ball bearing 48 engages within indentationring 49 circumferentially formed about inner cannula base 10′. Notably,spring biased ball bearing 48 functions as an engaging means for innercannula base 10′.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the engaging means for outer cannula base 17′ isalso realized as a spring biased ball bearing 50 installed throughcannula cavity wall 22. Outer cannula base 5′ is provided with anannular flange 47 and indentation ring 49 circumferentially formed aboutouter cannula base 17′. As shown, annular flange 57 establishes surfaceto surface contact with peripheral surface 58 area of the housing whencannula base 5′ is pushed into cannula cavity 20. In this position, ballbearing 50 engages within indentation ring 49 and a snap-fit engagementis established. This arrangement serves to retain both inner and outercannulas 3′ and 4 cannula cavity 20′, in a releasable manner, asactuation element 37′ is caused to reciprocate periodically. The outercannula is simply removed from cannula cavity 20 by quickly pulling onouter cannula tube 5 with a modest degree of force, to overcome the biasforce of engaged ball bearing 50. Similarly, the inner cannula is simplyremoved by quickly pulling on inner cannula tube 4′ to over come biasforce of engaged ball bearing 50. Advantageously, this cannula assemblyretention mechanism can also provide a safety release feature, in thatif inner cannula 4′, for example, becomes snagged during an operation,it will disengage from the reciprocation means 6 if a proper springbiasing force is selected for ball bearing 50.

FIGS. 7A, 7B and 8 also show an electro-cauterizing cannula assemblyaccording to the present invention which is adapted for use withliposuction instruments having cannula retention capabilities of thesnap-in type described above. Notably, the elements which correspond toinner and outer cannulas illustrated in FIGS. 2A through 3B1, areindicated by similar reference numbers.

In the embodiment featured in FIGS. 7A and 7B, inner cannula base 10″has a deeply formed spherical indentation 52 which is adapted to receiveball bearing 48 mounted in the extension of in actuation element 37. Tofacilitate guiding ball bearing 48 into spherical indentation 52, alongitudinally extending groove 53 is formed in inner cannula base 10″.Also, as shown, widened recess portions 53A and 53B are provided atopposite ends of groove 53 to facilitate initial insertion of ballbearing 48 in groove 53. When inner cannula base 10″ is slid intocannula cavity 20, ball bearing 48 snaps into indentation 52 toestablish a locked position. Biased ball bearing 48 engaged in sphericalindentation 52 serves to retain inner cannula 5 within cannula cavity20, while facilitating reciprocation of inner cannula 5 when actuationelement 37′ is caused to reciprocate.

Similar to the snap-fit inner cannula retention mechanism illustrated inFIGS. 7A and 7B, FIG. 8 shows outer cannula base 17″ having alongitudinally extending groove 55. Also, as shown, widened recessportions 55A and 55B are formed at opposite ends of groove 55 tofacilitate insertion of ball bearing 50 into spherical indentation 56.When outer cannula base 17″ is slid into cannula cavity 20, ball bearing50 snaps into spherical indentation 56 to establish a locked position.When this occurs, annular flange 57 will engage with outer peripheralsurface 58, about circular access opening leading into cannula cavity,shown in FIG. 4A. Upon such engagement, outer cannula 5 is renderedstationary relative to hand-holdable housing 2. As with inner cannula 4,the outer cannula is simply removed from cannula cavity 20 by pulling onouter cannula tube 5 with a modest degree of force to overcome the biasforce of engaged ball bearing 50.

In order to selectively adjust the amount of cannula excursion permittedduring a liposuction operation, piston-type motor 6 can be modified, asshown in FIG. 5, to produce embodiment of the liposuction device of thepresent invention. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the basic structure ofliposuction device 1C is similar to that shown in FIGS. 1A through 1C,except that a user-adjustable intermediate housing wall 88 is disposedbetween the inner walls 31A of chamber housing 31 and the outer walls34A of movable piston 34. Intermediate housing wall 87 is operablyassociated with an excursion selection means realized as a slidablemember 88 fixedly attached to the upper portion of intermediate housingwall 59. Preferably, slidable member 88 extends through a slot 89 formedin the wall of housing 2 and can be slid, for example, by movement ofthe surgeon's thumb. The function of intermediate housing wall 87 is toeffectively raise the height of the chamber housing wall, and thusselectively increase distance d, defined, for example, as the distancebetween gas outlet port 32 in piston 34 and upper portion 63 of thechamber housing wall. In this way, movable piston 34 must undergo alarger displacement before compressed gas will be released and piston 34permitted to be forced downwardly under the biasing force of biasingspring element 40.

As illustrated in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, it is also possible tocontrol the rate of reciprocation of the inner cannula by controllingthe rate of gas flow entering chamber 33 of piston-type motor 6. Thiscan be achieved using a conventional gas flow regulation device 78inserted between source of gas “S” and inlet port 32 of chamber housing31. As shown, tubing sections 79A and 79B are used to achieve fluidcommunication between these elements. Typically, cannula reciprocationrates will be in the range of 30 to 90 reciprocation cycles per minute,and the corresponding gas flow rates will depend on parametersincluding, for example, the compliance of biasing spring 40, the volumesof movable piston 34 and chamber housing 31, the cross-sectionaldiameter of gas inlet port 32, and the cross-sectional diameter of gasoutlet ports 36 in the piston.

Referring to FIGS. 6A through 6D, there is shown another embodiment ofthe liposuction device of the present invention. In liposuction device1F, the housing and cannula assembly are generally similar to those ofthe previously described embodiments, with the exception of severaldifferences which will be described below.

As illustrated in FIG. 6A, a pair of piston-type motors 6A and 6B of thetype generally indicated in FIGS. 1A through 1C and 5, are fixedlyinstalled within respective motor cavities 30A and 30B of housing 2.Each piston-type motor 6A and 6B has a respective chamber housing andmovable piston, indicated by 31A and 31B, and 34A and 34B, respectively.Actuation elements 37A and 37B are fixedly connected to respectivepistons 34A and 34B and project through respective elongated slots 38Aand 38B formed in cannula cavity wall 22; this is achieved, in a mannersimilar to that described in connection with the embodiments shown inFIGS. 1A through 1C, 4A, 4B and 5. While not shown in FIG. 6A,preferably a rod or bar is fixedly attached between actuation elements37A and 37B in order to maintain them a fixed distance apart, and yetprovide an operable connection between the inner cannula 41 andactuation elements 37A and 37B in the manner described below. As shownin FIG. 6B, this embodiment includes hinged cover panel 21 in a mannersimilar to that described in the embodiments of FIGS. 1A, 1C, 5, 6A and8A.

As illustrated in FIG. 6A, inner cannula base 10′″ has first and secondreceiving slots or notches 12A and 12B, into which extensions 13A and13B of respective actuation elements 37A and 37B are received. Suchoperable connections between movable pistons 6A and 6B and inner cannulabase 10′″ enables inner cannula 4′ to reciprocate relative to housing 2when actuation elements 37A and 37B are caused to reciprocate relativeto respective gas driven motors 6A and 6B.

In order to control the filling and venting of chambers 33A and 33B ofthe first and second piston motors, to effectuate cyclical reciprocatingmotion of actuation elements 37A and 37B and thus inner cannula 4′, amechanically-operated gas flow control device 90 is employed in operableassociation with an external source of pressurized gas (not shown), gasinlet ports 32A and 32B, and movable pistons 34A and 34B.

As illustrated in greater detail in FIGS. 6C and 6D, gas flow controldevice 90 comprises a shuttle valve housing or casing 91, having firstand second shuttle chambers 92A and 92B. These shuttle chambers areseparated by a shuttle valve member 93 which is fixedly attached to aslidable shaft 94. As illustrated, shuttle valve member 93 is slidablebetween two positions or states “A” and “B”. In order to achieve thisshaft 94 extends through bores 95A and 95B formed in shuttle chamber andwalls 91A and 91B respectively, in which seals 96A and 96B are installedin a conventional manner. When the shuttle valve 93 is centrallydisposed in casing 91 between states A and B, shaft ends 94A and 94Bprotrude equally beyond respective bores 95A and 95B.

Adjacent one end of cylindrical shuttle chamber side wall 98, a firstgas exit port 89A is formed, whereas adjacent the other end of wall 98,a second gas exit port 98B is formed, as shown. At about intermediatethe end walls, a gas inlet port 100 is formed in shuttle chamber sidewall 98. A pair of annulus-shaped shuttle valve stops 101A and 101B areformed at opposite end portions of the interior surface of cylindricalwall 98. These stops 101A and 101B serve to limit sliding movement ofshuttle valve 93 when shaft 94 is displaced in one of two possible axialdirections by actuation elements 37A and 37B, respectively, as shown inFIG. 6A. As will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter, it is theseactuation elements 37A and 37B which displace shaft 94 and thus shuttlevalve 93 between one of two states, as movable pistons 34A and 34B arecaused to reciprocate. Preferably, at least a portion of shuttle valve93 is formed of a ferromagnetic material so that ferrous end walls 102Aand 102B will attract ferromagnetic shuttle valve 93 and pull it againstone of stops 101A and 101B and into gas flow state A or B, i.e., whenshuttle valve 93 is brought into proximity therewith upon displacementof shaft 94 by one of actuation elements 37A and 37B. Peripheral sidesurfaces of shuttle valve 93 are provided with seals 103 to prevent gasleakage between shuttle chambers 92A and 92B.

As illustrated in FIG. 6A, first gas exit port 99A of device 90 is in afluid communication with second chamber housing 31B by gas channel 104,whereas second gas exit port 99B is in fluid communication with firstchamber housing 31A by gas channel 105. In the illustrated embodiment,gas inlet aperture 106 is formed through housing 2 and permits gaschannel 107 to establish fluid communication between gas inlet port 100and the external source of pressurized gas. Notably, chamber housings31A and 31B, shuttle valve housing 91, gas channels 104, 105 and 107 canbe realized as discrete elements, as shown, or alternatively asintegrally formed elements which are part of the interior of thehand-holdable housing itself.

The principal function of gas flow control device 90 is to control theflow of gas to pistons 34A and 34B so that only one of the gas pistonsis actively driven at a time, while the other is passively driven. Themanner of operation of gas flow control device 90 in cooperation withthe periodic displacement of pistons 34A and 34B, will now, bedescribed.

Owing to the fact that shuttle valve 93 is magnetically biased to be inessentially one of two possible positions, or gas flow states, gas willinitially be caused to flow into one of piston-chamber housings 31A or31B, and cause its respective piston and actuation element to move away(i.e. protract) from its respective chamber housing. Only along a smallportion of the piston excursion will shuttle valve shaft 94 and thusshuttle valve 93, be displaced within shuttle valve housing 91 as theactively driven piston is displaced upon buildup of pressurized gaswithin its respective chamber.

To illustrate this cyclical process, it will be assumed that gas flowcontrol valve 90 is initially in state A, as shown in FIG. 6A. Here,piston 34A has reached its maximal displacement and pressurized gaswithin chamber 33A has been substantially vented through gas outlet port26A and through ports 39A and 39B. In this position (state A), shuttlevalve 90 is magnetically biased against stops 101B so that gas is causedto flow from the external gas source (not shown), through first shuttlechamber 93A and into second chamber housing 33B. With shuttle valve 92in this state, gas pressure is allowed to build up in chamber 33B,displacing piston 34B and actuation element 37B to protract from secondchamber housing 31B. Therewhile, inner cannula base 10′″ is caused toundergo an outwardly directed excursion within cannula cavity 20,commensurate with the active displacement of piston 34B. During pistonexcursion (i.e., travel) defined over length L₁, shuttle valve 93remains in state A against stop 101B.

Then over piston excursion L₂, actuation element 37B contacts shaft end94B and displaces shuttle valve 93 away from stop 101B to aboutmid-position in shuttle housing 91, approximately over input port 100,at which point, magnetic shuttle valve 93 is pulled toward ferrous plate102A into state B and against stop 101A, as shown in FIG. 6A withphantom lines. At this phase in the cycle, piston 34A is fully retractedwithin chamber housing 31A, while piston 34B is fully protracted fromchamber housing 31B and displaced a distance L₃ from the upper portionthereof (i.e., L₃=L₁+L₂). In State B, gas flow control device 50 directsthe flow of pressurized gas from the external source, along channel 107,through second shuttle chamber 92B and along channel 105 and into pistonchamber housing 31A.

Magnetically biased shuttle valve 93 remains in state B as chamberhousing 31A fills with pressurized gas, expanding the chamber 33A andactively displacing piston 34A away from chamber housing 31A, whilecausing piston 34B to passively retract back into its chamber housing31B. All the while, inner cannula base 10′″, being operably associatedwith actuation elements 37A and 37B, undergoes a commensurate amount ofinwardly directed excursion within cannula cavity 20. When piston 34B isdisplaced an amount of distance L₄, actuation element 37A contacts shaftend 94A and displaces shuttle valve 93 a small distance L₅, at whichpoint, magnetic shuttle valve 93 is pulled towards ferrous plat 102B,back into state A and against stop 101B. At this phase in the cycle,piston 34B is fully retracted within chamber housing 31B while piston34A is fully protracted from chamber housing 31A and displaced at adistance L₆ from the upper portion thereof (i.e., L₆=L₄+L₅). In state A,gas flow control device 90 directs the flow of pressurized gas from theexternal source, along channel 107, through first shuttle chamber 92A,along channel 104 and into piston chamber housing 31B.

Magnetically biased shuttle valve 93 remains in state A as chamberhousing 91B fills with pressurized gas, expanding chamber 3B activelydisplacing piston 34B away from chamber housing 31B, while causingpiston 34A to passively retract back into its piston chamber housing31A. All the while, inner cannula base 10′″, being operably associatedwith actuation elements 37A and 37B, undergoes once again a commensurateamount of outwardly directed excursion within cannula cavity 20. With apreselected gas pressure and flow rate set at gas inlet port 100 ofdevice 90, the above-described process of gas filling, venting and flowcontrol occurs automatically at a corresponding rate, resulting inperiodic reciprocation of inner cannula 10′″ relative to hand-holdablehousing 2. In turn, this periodic reciprocation of inner cannula 4′results in periodic displacement of the general location of aspirationoccurring along the length of the cannula assembly.

Referring to FIGS. 9A through 9F, there is illustrated yet anotherembodiment of the liposuction device of the present invention. Ingeneral, liposuction device 1G has a pistol-shaped housing 110 whichcomprises a barrel portion 111 and a detachable handle portion 112.Instead of using a reciprocating piston motor to translate inner cannula4′ relative to housing 100, this embodiment utilizes a rotary-type motor113. In operative association with a cam mechanism, generally indicatedby reference numeral 114, rotary-type motor 113 causes actuation element115 to cyclically slide back and forth and cause inner cannula 4′ toperiodically reciprocate relative to barrel portion 111 of thepistol-shaped housing.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9B through 9D, barrel portion 111 of the housingcomprises a cannula cavity 116 adapted for slidably receivingcylindrically-shaped base 17 of inner cannula 4′, in a manner describedhereinabove. Cannula cavity 116 is also provided with a longitudinallyextending access opening, over which a hingedly connected cover panel117 is provided. As illustrated in FIG. 9E, cover panel 117 facilitiesinsertion of the cannula assembly into, and removal of the cannulaassembly from, cannula cavity 116 in a manner similar to that describedin connection with liposuction instrument 1A of FIGS. 1A through 1C, inparticular. As illustrated in FIG. 9C in greater detail, inner cannulabase 10 is adapted to be received within cannula cavity 116 and outercannula base flange 19 releasably received within annular recess 118formed in cannula cavity wall 22.

To install inner cannula 4′ into cannula cavity 116, semi-flexibletransparent tubing 15 is connected to inner cannula outlet port 11. Thencover panel 117 is opened and tubing is fed out through rear port 119 ofthe barrel portion, as illustrated in FIGS. 9C and 9F. Inner cannulabase 10 is then slid into cavity 116 with extensional portion ofactuation element 115 received in notch 12. Then outer cannula 5′ isslid over the distal end of inner cannula 4′ until outer cannula base 17is received within annular recess 118. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9E,cover panel 117 is snapped closing using, for example, a spring biasedlocking device 120, of the type previously described above. Removal ofinner and outer cannulas simply involves a reversal of the aboveprocedure.

Alternatively, using spring biased actuation elements and inner andouter cannulas of the type shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, barrel portion 111can be realized without necessity of hinged cover panel 117. In such analternative embodiment, the inner and outer cannulas can be snap-fittedinto and pulled out of cannula cavity 116 in a manner similar to thatdescribed hereinabove.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9B through 9F, barrel portion 111 houses cammechanism 114 which is operably associated with (i) rotary motor 113contained within the handle portion, and (ii) actuation element 115which slidably passes through a longitudinal slot 121 formed within theupper wall of cannula cavity 116. As in the other previously describedembodiments, actuation element 115 includes extension 115A that passesthrough elongated slot 121 and is received within notch 12 formed ininner cannula base 10. In addition, cam mechanism 114 of the illustratedembodiment inherently embodies gear reduction. In this way, a highangular shaft velocity of rotary motor 113, can be efficientlytransformed into reciprocational strokes of the cannula, occurring at asubstantially lower rate. With such an arrangement, as rotary motor 113is caused to rotate under either gas pressure or electrical power,actuation element 115 is caused to reciprocate within elongated slot 121by way of cam mechanism 114, and thereby cause inner cannula 4′ toperiodically reciprocate relative to housing 110. This motion results inperiodic displacement of the general location of aspiration occurringalong the length of the cannula assembly.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9B and 9C, cam mechanism 114 of the preferredembodiment comprises a drive wheel 122 having a first predeterminednumber of gear teeth 123 disposed thereabout. Drive wheel 122 isrotatably mounted to a shaft 124 mounted through an opening in the toppanel of an accommodating section 125 of the barrel portion. Cammechanism 114 also includes a connective element 126 having first andsecond ends 126A and 126B, respectively. First end 126A of theconnective element is pivotally attached to the drive wheel 122 at apoint disposed away from the axial center 124, whereas second end 126Bis pivotally connected to actuation element 115 as shown. In order toadjust the distance away from the axis of rotation 124 at which thefirst end for the connective element is pivotally attached, a radiallyformed slot 127 is formed in drive wheel 122. A plurality of widenedcircular apertures 128 are disposed along radial slot 127 as shown inFIGS. 9B and 9D. In this way, a spring-loaded cylindrical pin 129passing through the first end of connective element 126, can beselectively locked into one of apertures 128 by pulling upwardly uponpin 129 and setting its cylindrical base 129A into the desired aperture128. In FIG. 9D, pin 129 is shown to further include pin head 129B, ahollow bore 129B, and an axle 129D having heads 129E and 129F. As shown,a spring 129G is enclosed within bore 129C about axle 129D and betweenhead 129F and an inner flange 129H. By selectively locking the first end126A of connective element 126 into a particular circular notch 128using springloaded pin 129, the distance of the first end of theconnective element from axial center 124 can be set, and thus the amountof inner cannula excursion (and effective aspiration aperturedisplacement) thereby selected. To permit access to spring-loaded pin129, the top panel of accommodating portion 125 of the housing isprovided with a hinged door 132 that can be opened and snapped closed asdesired.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9B and 9C, handle portion 112 of the housingencloses a substantial portion of rotary motor 113 whose shaft 133projects beyond the handle portion and bears a gear wheel 134. As shown,gear wheel 134 has a second predetermined number of gear teeth 134Adisposed circumferentially thereabout, which mesh with drive wheel teeth123. Notably, to permit the rear portion 119 of cannula cavity 116 toextend all the way towards the rear of the barrel portion for passageand exit of aspiration hose 15, shaft 133 of the motor is mounted offcenter of handle portion 113, as shown in FIGS. 9C and 9F.

Rotary motor 113 is preferably an electric motor whose shaft speed iscontrollable by the voltage applied to its terminals. Such speed controlcan be realized by a conventional speed control circuit 135 connectedbetween motor 113 and a conventional 110-115 volt, 50-60 Hertz powersupply. As illustrated in FIG. 9C, conventional electrical cord 136 andon/off power switch 150 can be used to connect control circuit 135 andthe power supply. Control over the output voltage produced from speedcontrol circuit 115 and provided to electrical motor 113, can beadjusted, for example, by changing the resistance of a potentiometer 137which is operably connected to the speed control circuit. As shown inFIG. 6C in particular, this potentiometer 137 can be embodied within atrigger mechanism 138 which is connected, for example, to handle portion112 of housing 110. By pulling trigger 138, the speed of rotary motor113 can be controlled, and consequently, so too the rate ofreciprocation of inner cannula 4′ relative to outer cannula 5′, and thusthe rate of displacement of the effective aspiration apertures.

To connect handle portion 112 to barrel portion 111 and permitdisconnection therebetween for cleaning, sterilization and generalservice, handle portion 112 is provided with flange 140 andthumb-operable spring element 141. Barrel portion 111, on the otherhand, is provided with slot 142, catch 143, and cavity 144. To connecthandle portion 112 to barrel portion 111, shaft 133 is vertically passedthrough channels 144 and 145 until gear 134 is slightly below the planeof drive wheel 122. Then, spring element 141 is inserted within cavity144 while flange 140 is guided into slot 142. By pushing the rearportion of handle 112 in the longitudinal direction of cannula cavity116, spring element 141 will snap over and clasp catch 143 as shown inFIG. 12C. In this configuration, handle portion 112 is secured to barrelportion 111 and gear teeth 123 will mesh with drive wheel teeth 134A. Todisconnect handle portion 112 from barrel portion 11, the surgeon'sthumb simply depresses spring-element 141 downwardly and then, by movinghandle portion 112 slightly rearwardly, then downwardly, flange 140 isdislodged from slot 142 and motor shaft 133 can be withdrawn fromchannels 144 and 145. In this disassembled state, handle portion 110 andbarrel portion 112 can be individually cleaned and sterilized usingconventional procedures known in the surgical instrument art.

Liposuction device 1G described above employed an electric rotary motorto effectuate reciprocation of inner cannula 4′ relative to housing 110.However, in an alternative embodiment, it is possible to effectreciprocation of the outer cannula while the inner cannula is stationarywith respect to the housing, as shown in FIGS. 6A through 7. Also, it ispossible to employ a conventional gas driven rotary motor in lieu ofelectric rotary motor 113. In such an embodiment, trigger 138 can beoperatively associated with a gas flow control valve. Thus, bycontrolling the rate of gas flow to the gas rotary motor upon actuationof trigger 138, the angular velocity of shaft 133 can be controlled andthus the rate of reciprocation of inner cannula 4′ relative to housing110.

Having described various illustrated embodiments, it is appropriate atthis juncture to describe the method of the present invention using, forpurposes of illustration only, the liposuction instrument 1C illustratedin FIG. 5.

In general, the surgeon prepares in a conventional manner, the area ofskin below which liposuction is to be performed. Typically, this entailsmarking various zones where radial displacement of the aspirationapertures is to occur. Liposuction instrument 1C of the presentinvention is assembled as described above so that aspiration apertures8A′, 8B′ and 8C′ of cannula assembly 3′ are in communication with avacuum source (not shown). A small incision is then made in thepatient's skin in a conventional manner, and the distal portion of thecannula assembly is inserted into a premarked radial zone. Aspressurized gas is provided to piston motor 6, inner cannula 10 willautomatically reciprocate causing the general location of the suctionapertures to be automatically displaced along each tunnel of fattytissue. During the operation of the instrument, the surgeon's handholding the liposuction instrument is maintained essentially stationarywith respect to the patient. Fatty tissue is aspirated through theperiodically displaced aspiration apertures, and transferred into areservoir tank operably associated with the vacuum source.

As deemed necessary, the surgeon can selectively increase the rate ofaspiration aperture travel along the distal end of the cannula assembly.This can be achieved by a foot-operated gas flow control device 78 whichcontrols the rate of gas flow to piston motor 6. Also, the amount ofinner cannula excursion (i.e., aspiration aperture travel) can also beselected by adjusting the compliance of spring 40 through rotation ofthreaded element 42.

In the illustrative embodiments described hereinabove, the outer cannulahas been made from an electrically non-conductive material (i.e.,achieving electrical isolation between the cauterizing electrodessupported on the outer cannula, and electrically conductive innercannula). The inner cannula has been made from stainless steel, offeringthe advantage of being easily cleaned and sterilizable. The plasticouter cannula offers the advantages of electrical insulation, lowmanufacturing cost and disposability. Preferably, when making the outercannula from a suitable plastic material, injection moulding processescan be used.

In FIG. 10, an alternative embodiment of the liposuction instrument ofFIG. 9 is shown. While this embodiment of the liposuction instrumenthereof 180 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, there are anumber of differences. For example, an actuator 181 magnetically-coupledto an air powered cylinder 182 is used to reciprocate the base portion10 of the inner cannula of its electro-cauterizing cannula assembly. Themagnetically-coupled air powered cylinder and actuator subassembly (182,181) can be realized as Model No. MG 038 commercially available fromTol-O-Matic, Inc. of Hamel, Minn. As shown in FIG. 10, the ends of theair powered cylinder 182 are supported by an external guide and supportsystem comprises brackets 183A and 183B, which are integrated withinterior portions of the hand-holdable housing. The actuator block 181,which is mounted about the cylindrical shaft of the cylinder 182,reciprocates between the support brackets 183A and 183B in response topressurized air (gas) flowing into its first air input/output port 18A,then the second air input/output port 184B, repeatedly in an alternatingmanner, causing the actuator 181 to reciprocate along the cylinder 182.Such pressurized air streams are provided by an air-flow control device185.

As shown in FIG. 10A, the air flow control device 185 has one air supplyport 185A, first and second air output/return ports 185B and 185C, andfirst and second air exhaust ports 185D and 185E. Air supply port 185Ais supplied with pressurized air through tubing 185A1 connected to flowrate control unit 219 which is controlled by electrical signals producedby trigger 138 when pulled to a particular degree of angular function ofdeflection. The control unit 219 is to control the flow of air fromsupply tubing section 219A connected to an external source ofpressurized air. The first and second air output/return ports 185B and185C, are arranged in fluid communication with the first and second airinput/output ports 184A and 184B of the cylinder 182, respectively, byway of air tubing sections 186 and 187.

As shown in FIG. 10A, air-flow control device 185 has an air flowcontrol shaft 188 with air flow directing surfaces 188A. Air flowcontrol shaft is slidably supported within the housing of the device.The function of the flow control shaft is to commute air flow betweenits various ports described above in response to the position of theactuator 181 along the cylinder 182 during device operation. In order toachieve such functions, the air-flow control shaft 188 of theillustrative embodiment is mechanically coupled to an actuator strokecontrol rod 189 by way of a mechanical linkage 1990. Linkage 190 issupported by brackets 191A, 191B and 191C and secured to the interior ofthe hand-holdable housing. Along the actuator stroke control rod 189, apair of actuator stops 192A and 192B are disposed. In the illustrativeembodiment, stops 192A and 192B are realized as slidable rods which areadapted to lock into different detected positions along the strokecontrol rod 189 when the surgeon presses the top thereof (locatedoutside of the housing) downwardly and then in the direction ofadjustment, releasing the control stop at its desired location. In someembodiments, it may be desirable to fix one of the control stops whileallowing the other control stop to be adjustable along a selectedportion of the length of the stroke control rod 189. In alternativeembodiments, actuator stroke control can be realized using other typesof adjustment mechanisms including, for example, externally accessibleadjustment screw mechanism, in which adjustment (rotation) of a singleknob or thumb-wheel enables the surgeon to set the stroke length of theinner cannula and thus the aspiration aperture thereof; electroniccontrol mechanisms, in which actuation of an electronic or electricaldevice, such as foot pad or electrical switch enables the surgeon totranslate the position of one or both of the stroke control stops byelectromechanical means (including linear motors, geared rotary motorsand the like.)

As shown in FIG. 10A, the air flow control shaft 188 has two primarypositions; a first position, in which pressurized air from the airsupply port 185A is directed to flow through the second airoutput/return port 188C of the air flow control device, along tubing 187and into the second input/output port 184B of the cylinder 182, whilethe second input/outlet port 184B of the cylinder is in communicationwith the first exhaust port 185D of the air flow control device 185causing inner cannula to project away from the housing; and a secondposition, in which pressurized air from the air supply port 185A isdirected to flow through the first air output/return port 188B of theair flow control device, along tubing 186 and into the firstinput/output port 184A of the cylinder, while the second input/outletport 184B of the cylinder is in communication with the second exhaustport 185E of the air flow control device 185, causing the inner cannulato retract inwards towards the housing. By virtue of this arrangement,the actuator 181 is automatically driven back and forth between strokecontrol stops 192A and 192B along the cylinder stroke rod in response topressurized air flow into the air flow control device 185. When theelectro-cauterizing cannula assembly of FIG. 11A is installed within thecannula cavity of the liposuction device, as described hereinabove, theinner cannula 4 will be caused to reciprocate relative to the outercannula 5. In the illustrative embodiment, the length of the excursionof the inner cannula 4 is determined by the physical spacing betweenmechanical stops 192A and 192B. By varying the spacing of these stopsalong the stroke control rod 182, the maximum excursion of the innercannula relative to the stationary outer cannula can be simply andeasily set and reset as necessary by the surge on.

In FIG. 11A, an electro-cauterizing cannula assembly 3″ is shown for usewith the liposuction instrument of FIG. 10. In this illustrativeembodiment, both the inner and outer cannulas are made of anelectrically non-conductive material such a sterilizable plastic. In theembodiment of FIG. 10, hand-holdable housing is preferably made from anelectrically non-conductive material. Electrically conductive electrodes195A, 195B, 195C and 195D are inserted within the inner aspirationapertures 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D and electrical wiring 196 run to the innercannula base portion 10, wherein an electrical contact pad 197 isembedded. Electrically conductive electrodes 160A, 160B, 160C and 160Dare also inserted within the outer aspiration apertures 16A, 16B, 16Cand 16D, and electrical wiring 168 run to the outer cannula base portion19, wherein an electrical contact pad 166B is embedded. An electricalcontact pad 176B is also embedded within the base portion recess withinthe hand-holdable housing.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, an electrical contact rail 198 is embeddedwithin the side wall surface of the cannula cavity so that electricalcontact pad 197 or base portion 10 of the inner cannula establisheselectrical contact therewith to apply RF (supply/return) power signalsto the electrodes in the inner cannula during liposuction operations. Insuch circumstances, two sets of electrical connections occur. Firstly,the base portion 10 of the inner cannula is securely engaged by theactuator block 181 (snap-fitting or other suitable means) and theelectrical contact pad 197 contact with the electrical rail 198 embeddedwithin the inner side wall surface of the cannula cavity. Secondly, thebase portion 19 of the outer cannula is received within the base portionrecess of the hand-holdable housing and the electrical contact pad(i.e., RF power supply terminal) 176B embedded therewithin establishescontact with the electrical contact 166B embedded within the baseportion of the outer cannula. By virtue of these electrical connections,RF supply potentials are applied to the electrode portions of the innercannula, while RF return potentials are applied to the electrodeportions of the outer cannula, whereby electro-cauterization occurs.

In FIG. 13A through 13D, an alternative electro-cauterizing cannulaassembly 3′″ is shown for use with the liposuction instrument shown inFIGS. 10 and 10A, and readily adaptable for use with other liposuctioninstruments of the present invention. In this particular illustrativeembodiment, both the inner and outer cannulas are made of anelectrically conductive material. The hand-holdable housing is made froman electrically non-conductive material (e.g., plastic). Between theseelectrically conductive cannulas 4 and 5 means are provided formaintaining electrical isolation between the electrically conductivecarrier and outer cannula which, during electro-cauterization, aremaintained at an electrical potential difference (i.e., voltage) of 800volts or more. In general, a variety of different techniques can beemployed for carrying out this functionality. For example, a thincoating of Teflon® material 200 can be applied to the outer surface ofthe outer cannula. Alternatively, a series of electrically-insulatingspacer/washers made from Teflon® ceramic, or like material can bemounted within circumferentially extending grooves formed periodicallyabout the inner cannula to maintain sufficient spacing and thuselectrical insulation between the inner and outer cannulas. Preferably,the spacing between each pair of insulating spacers is smaller than thelength of the bore 18 formed in the electrically conductive base portionof the outer cannula, as illustrated in FIG. 13A.

The electrical contact rail (i.e., RF power supply terminal) 198embedded within the cannula cavity establishes electrical contact withthe base portion of the inner cannula when the cannula assembly isinstalled in the housing of the device. Also, electrical contact pad176B embedded within the recess portion of the housing establisheselectrical contact with the base portion of the outer cannula when thecannula assembly is installed within the hand-holdable housing. In theassembled state, two sets of electrical connections occur. Firstly, theelectrically conductive base portion of the inner cannula is engaged bythe electrical contact rail 198. Secondly, the base portion of the outercannula is received within the base portion recess and the base portionof the outer cannula establishes contact with the electrical contact176B embedded within the recess portion. By virtue of these electricalconnections, RF supply potentials are applied to the inner cannula,while RF return potentials are applied to the outer cannula. Thepotential difference(s) between these surfaces about the aspirationapertures enable electro-cauterization of tissue as it is beingaspirated through the aspiration aperture moving along the cannulaassembly.

In another illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the innercannula 4 is made of an electrically non-conductive material such asplastic. The outer cannula is made of electrically conductive material(e.g., stainless steel). The hand-holdable housing is made from anelectrically non-conductive material (e.g., plastic). Electricallyconductive electrodes are inserted within the inner aspiration aperturesthereof, and electrical wiring run to the inner cannula base portion,wherein an electrical contact rail is also embedded.

As shown in FIG. 14G, an electrical contact rail 213A is also embeddedwithin the side wall of the cannula cavity. An electrical contact padembedded within the recess of the plastic hand-holdable housingestablishes electrical contact with the base portion of the electricallyconductive outer cannula. Thus, when the cannula assembly is installedwithin the hand-holdable housing, two sets of electrical connectionsoccur. Firstly, the base portion of the inner cannula is engaged by theactuation means and the electrical contact pad therewithin establishcontact with the electrical contact embedded within the base portion ofthe outer cannula. By virtue of these electrical connections, RF supplypotential are applied to the electrode portions of the inner cannula,while RF return potentials are applied to the electrode portions of theouter cannula.

In yet other alternative embodiments of the present invention,hemostasis can be carried out in the powered liposuction instrumentshereof by producing ultrasonic energy (having a frequency of about 50kilohertz) and delivering the same to the aspiration aperture regions ofthe cannula assembly during liposuction procedures. Such ultrasonicenergy will cause protein coagulation of aspirated tissue in the regionsof the aspiration apertures. When the frequency of the ultrasonic energyis reduced to about 20-25 kilohertz, liquefaction or lipolysis of theaspirated tissue will occur. Such modes of operation can be added to anyof the electro-cauterizing liposuction instruments of the presentinvention, or to liposuction instruments with electro-cauterizingcapabilities.

In FIGS. 14 through 14C, a preferred embodiment of the ultrasoniccauterizing liposuction instrument of the present invention is shown. Ingeneral, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 through 14C is similar to theliposuction instrument of FIG. 10, except that it includes severaladditional means which enable it to effect protein coagulation (and thushemostasis) during liposuction using ultrasonic energy having afrequency of about 50 kilohertz and sufficient power. As shown, a set ofpiezo-electric crystals 210 are embedded about the lumen of the innercannula and encased within the base portion of the inner cannula made ofplastic.

As shown in FIG. 14, an electrical signal generator 216 external to theliposuction device is provided for supplying electrical drive signals toterminals 214 via control circuit 215 when it is enabled by manualactuation of trigger 138. The electrical signal generator 216 should becapable of producing electrical signals having a frequency in the rangeof about 15 to 60 kHz, at a sufficient power level. Any commerciallyavailable signal generator, used in medical applications, can be used torealize this system component. The electrical signals produced fromgenerator 216 are applied to the terminals of the piezo-electrictransducers embedded within the electrically non-conductive base portionof the inner cannula.

When the generator 216 is switched to produce signals in range centeredabout 20 kHz, these signals are delivered to the array of piezo-electrictransducers embedded within the base portion of the inner cannula. Thesedrive signals cause the piezo-electric transducers to produce ultrasonicsignals in substantially the same frequency range to propagate along thesurface of the inner cannula and out the inner and outer aspirationapertures, enabling lipolysis or liquefaction of aspirated fat tissue.

When the generator is switched to produce signals in range centeredabout 50 kHz, these signals are delivered to the array of piezo-electrictransducers embedded within the base portion of the inner cannula. Thesedrive signals cause the piezo-electric transducers to produce ultrasonicsignals in substantially the same frequency range to establish standingwaves within the inner cannula which propagate out the apertures ofinner and outer cannula, enabling coagulation of protein moleculeswithin aspirated tissue, thus achieve hemostasis.

While carrying out lipolysis using ultrasonic energy producing meanswithin the liposuction device hereof, the surgeon may also desire toconduct hemostasis by coagulating protein molecules within tissue beingaspirated. As shown in FIG. 14, by pulling trigger 138, control circuit217 automatically commutes RF supply and return signals from the RFsignal supply unit 175 to power supply terminals 218 which, in turn, areconnected to contact pads 176A and 176B embedded within recess 17A,supporting the base portion of the outer cannula with respect to thehand-holdable housing.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 14, a flow control switch 219 is providedwithin the handle of the housing in order to enable the flow ofpressurized air from air supply to the reciprocation means (e.g.,cylinder 182, etc.) only when manually actuated trigger 138 is manuallyactuated (or a foot pedal is depressed). When the trigger 138 is pulled,an electrical signal is sent to the flow control switch 219 which, inturn, permits a selected amount of pressurized air to flow into thereciprocation device (e.g., cylinder 182). The trigger switch 138 canhave a number of positions, at which different electrical signals areproduced for enabling flow control switch 219 to allow pressured air toflow to the reciprocation means 182 at different flow rates. This can beused to control the rate of reciprocation of the inner cannula relativeto the outer cannula, providing the surgeon with additional control overthe tissue aspiration process.

Notably, an improved degree of surgical control and user safety isprovided by the liposuction instrument of the present inventiondescribed above.

In particular, control circuit 217 prevents the liposuction instrumenthereof from carrying out cauterization along the length of its cannulaassembly, unless the cannula is reciprocating and/or aspirating. Thiscondition is detected when the trigger 138 is pulled to a particulardegree of angular deflection. The reason for providing such control overthe electro-cauterization functionality of the liposuction device hereofis to prevent inadvertent burning of tissue during liposuction and likeprocedures.

The function of the control logic circuit 215 is to enable thecommutation of 20-25 kilohertz electrical signals between the generator216 and the power supply rails 213A and 213B (to energize thepiezo-electric transducers 210 in the base portion of the inner cannula)only when aspirated tissue is flowing through the inner cannula. Thiscondition is detected when the trigger 138 is pulled to a particulardegree of angular deflection.

The electro-cauterization electrodes of the liposuction devices hereofcan be controlled in a variety of different ways. One way would be tocontinuously enable RF-based electro-cauterization during sensed tissueaspiration. In such “continuously-enabled” embodiments of the presentinvention, there will typically be no need for external switches toactivate the electro-cauterizing electrodes embodied within the cannulaassembly of the present invention.

Another way would be to enable RF-based electro-cauterization by way ofswitching RF supply and return signals to the electrodes during sensedtissue aspiration and supply of an activation signal by the surgeon.Generation of the activation signal can be realized by manuallyactuating a second trigger, or pushing a button, or depressing a footpedal, external to the hand-supportable housing, or by automaticallydetecting a particular condition along the aspiration channel of thedevice or elsewhere therein.

While the liposuction instruments described above have been shown toinclude four symmetrically arranged aspiration apertures, it may bedesired in particular applications to provide a cannula assembly havinginner and outer cannulas with one, two or three aspiration apertures,rather than four as shown in the illustrative embodiments.

In some applications it may be desired to provide a cannula assemblyhaving a pair of diametrically opposed aspiration apertures, and anouter cannula with a single aspiration aperture. The outer cannulaassembly can be adapted to be rotatable in one of two angular positionsabout the inner cannula. In the first position, the single aspirationaperture formed in the outer cannula is aligned in registration with thefirst aspiration aperture along the inner cannula. When rotated into itssecond angular position, the single aspiration aperture of the outercannula is aligned in registration with the second aspiration aperturealong the inner cannula. The surgeon can easily switch the outer cannulabetween its first and second angular positions by rotating a smallradially extending projection, adjacent the hand-holdable housing, ineither a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction to align theaspiration aperture on the outer cannula in registration with theselected aspiration aperture on the inner cannula. This feature of thepresent invention provides the surgeon with the option of changing whichside of the distal end of the cannula assembly is enabled to aspiratetissue during a liposuction procedure without the necessity of removing,repositioning and reinserting the cannula assembly within the housing.This technical feature can be used in conjunction with bothelectro-cauterizing as well as ultrasonic cauterizing functionalities ofthe present invention described above. When this aspiration apertureorientation control feature is provided in a liposuction instrument ofthe present invention having cauterizing electrodes embedded about theaspiration aperture(s) of a plastic outer cannula, an electricalcommunication mechanism can be embodied within the outer cannula theproximal portion thereof and its base portion so that electricalconnectivity can be achieved between the cauterizing electrode on theouter cannula and its electrically conductive contact pad embeddedwithin the base portion of the outer cannula.

As shown in FIGS. 15 through 19, the liposuction device of the presentinvention may be equipped with a monopolar-type electrocauterizingcannula assembly, in contrast with the bipolar designs shown anddescribed in detail hereinabove. While the monopolar-type liposuctioninstrument of the present invention is shown embodied within the generaldesign of FIGS. 1A through 1C, with appropriate modifications, it isunderstood that any of the alternative embodiments shown and describedhereinabove can be readily modified to provide a monopolar-typeelectrocauterizing cannula assembly in accordance with the principles ofthe present invention

As illustrated in greater detail in FIGS. 15 and 16, the liposuctiondevice 301 comprises an hand-holdable housing 302, a detachable cannula303 with a monopolar electro-cauterizing electrode(s), and areciprocation mechanism 304 for causing the cannula 303 to reciprocaterelative to the housing. Cannula 303 of the present invention comprisesan elongated tube 390 having an aspiration (i.e. suction) aperture 306at its distal end and a base 307 operably associated with the proximalend of the tube 390. Preferably, cannula base 307 has an outlet port 308formed at its remote end, and a notch or recess like structure 309formed in its central most portion, as shown. As will be described ingreater detail hereinafter, notch structure 309 functions to releasablyreceive a terminal portion of the electrically-conductive actuatorelement 312, in order to engage therewith and thereby actuatereciprocation of cannula 303 within housing 302 during operation of thereciprocation mechanism 304. In alternative embodiments of the presentinvention, the notch like structure 309 can be realized in variety ofdifferent ways depending, of course, on the structure of the actuator312.

As shown in FIGS. 16, 18 and 19, the shape of cannula base 307 ispreferably cylindrical and will match the bearing surfaces which guidethe cannula as it is caused to reciprocate within housing 302. Asillustrated, cannula 303 (303′) has a continuous passageway 310 whichextends from aspiration aperture 306 to outlet port 308 for transportingaspirated fat tissue through aperture 306 to a conventional vacuumsource (not shown). To achieve this function, the vacuum source isconnected to outlet port 308 using preferably optically transparent,semi-flexible tubing 311.

As shown, the gross geometry of the housing 302 is preferably that of anellipsoid, however, other geometries such as, for example, as acylindrical structure, can be used in practicing the present invention.Housing 302 has a cannula cavity generally indicated by referencenumeral 313, and has generally cylindrical bearing surfaces 314 whichmatch the outer bearing surface 315 of cannula 303, to permit slidingmovement of cannula 303 within 313. While cylindrical bearing surfaceshave been selected in the preferred embodiment, the use of other formsof bearing surfaces (e.g., rectangular or triangular) is contemplated.To minimize friction, bearing surfaces 314 and 315 may be coated with aTeflon® or functionally equivalent coating, to facilitate easy slidingof cannula base 307 within cavity 313 with low wear.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, housing 302 of the illustrative embodiment isprovided with a hinged cover 331. Hinged cover 331 allows cannula cavity313 to be opened and accessed and cannula 303 to be selectivelyinstalled in and removed from housing cavity 313. Cover panel 331 has asemi-circular cross-sectional geometry and is connected to the remainderportion of the housing 302 by a conventional hinge means 332. To securecover panel 331 to the remainder of housing 302, a releasable lockingmeans 333 is provided at the interface of hinge cover 331 and theremainder portion of housing 302, as shown. Releasable locking means 333can be realized in a variety of ways, including, for example, using aspring biased clamp element 334 which engages in a notch 335 formed inthe external surface of the remainder portion of the housing 302, asillustrated in FIG. 17.

In the case of the cannula assembly design of the first illustrativeembodiment shown in FIG. 18, the distal and proximal portions of thecannula 303 are made from an electrically conductive lumen material 350having a non-conductive coating 352 (e.g. made from TFE coating or outerplastic sheath) applied thereover. Preferably, the non-conductivecoating 352 disposed upon or applied over the electrically-conductivecannula 303 forms a cauterizing electrode 356 about on the inner edgewalls of the aspiration aperture 306, as shown in FIG. 18.

The function of the aspiration aperture 306 is to ensure that aspiratedfatty tissue is subject to an electrical potential difference (i.e.V1−V2) maintained between the cauterizing electrode and referenceground, which is sufficient to electro-cauterize fatty tissue as thesame is being aspirated through the aspiration aperture. In thisillustrative embodiment, the electro-cauterizing electrode 356 formedabout the outer edge of the aspiration aperture 306 is maintained atelectrical potential V1 by way of a first electrically conductivepathway realized along the cannula assembly, best illustrated in FIGS.18, 18A and 18B. As shown in these drawings, electrical contact plate358 can be embedded within the notch 309 formed in the base portion 307of the cannula assembly, while an electrically conductive post 354affixed to contact plate 358 establishes electrical contact with thedistal portion of the electrically conductive lumen 350. By virtue ofthe fact that the electro-cauterizing electrode 356 is realized from theconductive material of the electrically conductive lumen 350, which isin electrical contact with the electrical contact plate 358 viaelectrically-conductive post 354.

In the case of the cannula assembly design of FIG. 19, the cannula 303′is made from an electrically non-conductive material (e.g. plastic)having an electro-cauterizing electrode 380 (realized in the form of anyeyelet or like structure) mounted about each cannula aspiration aperture306 provided at the distal end of the cannula. As will be described ingreater detail below, preferably the electrode 380 is formed on theinner edge wall of the aspiration aperture and is maintained atelectrical potential V1 whereas the human patient is maintained atelectrical ground potential V2=0 Volts, so that, during liposuctionprocedures, aspirated fatty tissue is subject to a potential difference(i.e. V1−V2), sufficient to electro-cauterize the fatty tissue as it isbeing aspirated through the aspiration aperture 306. As shown in FIG.19, the same or modified electrical contact plate 358 of FIG. 18A can beembedded within the notch 309 formed in the base portion 307 of thecannula assembly 305′. As shown, the base portion of the electricallyconductive post 354 is maintained in electrical contact with theelectro-cauterizing electrode 380 by an electrical wire 354, embeddedwithin the outer surface of the electrically non-conductive lumen 350′,and electrically connected thereto so as to maintain these structures atthe same electrical potential.

As shown in FIG. 16 when either cannula assembly 305 or 305′ is properlyloaded within the hand-supportable housing 302 of the liposuctioninstrument of the present invention, the electrically-conductiveactuator 312 engages with the electrical contact plate 358 in notch 309of the cannula base portion. In order to maintain theelectro-cauterizing electrode(s) provided along the distal portion ofthe cannula assembly (305 or 305′), electrical contact plate 358, towhich the electro-cauterizing electrodes are connected, must beelectrically connected to the output lead of a unipolar cautery unit 360which generates a radio-frequency (RF) power signal maintained atvoltage potential V1, referenced to electrical ground, V2, which is zerovolts. This electrical connection between the cautery unit 360 andembedded electrical contact 358 in the base portion of the cannulaassembly (305 or 305′) can be established using internal wiring 361which extends from electrically-conductive spring support plate 327 andpower jack 362 mounted within the wall of the housing. Such internalelectrical wiring can be embedded within the walls of hand-supportablehousing 302 or otherwise routed within the same. Notably, the actuator312, spring 326 and spring support plate 327 are each made from anelectrically conductive material so as to each be maintained atsubstantially the same electrical potential.

As shown in FIG. 16, a flexible shielded-type power cable 363 is used toelectrically connect the power jack 362 on the liposuction instrument tothe output power lead of the electro-cautery power supply unit 360. Byway of this arrangement, the electro-cauterizing electrode 356 in thecannula assembly (305 or 305′) is maintained at a relatively highelectrical voltage V1, while the tissue of the patient to be aspiratedis maintained at a substantially lower voltage V2 by virtue ofindifferent/defuse electrodes attached to the patient during aliposuction procedure conducted in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention.

In alternative embodiments of the present invention, thehand-supportable housing may not be provided with a hingedly connectedcover panel, as shown in FIG. 17, but rather the base portion of thecannula can be adapted to slide into the cannula cavity 313 and snap-fitinto the actuator 312 which may be realized using a spring-loaded ballor like structure, as taught in Applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,302,incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In other embodiments,the base portion of the cannula assembly and the actuator associatedwith the reciprocation mechanism may be realized in virtually any mannerthan enables slidable movement of the cannula relative to thehand-supportable housing, and supply of the electrical voltage V1 to theelectro-cauterizing electrode associated with the cannula, regardless ofwhether the electro-cauterizing electrode is realized using the methodsillustrated in FIGS. 16, 18 and 19, or by any other means.

In general, a gas, air or electrically driven motor(s) can be used torealize the reciprocation mechanism 304 of present invention and thuseffectuate reciprocation of cannula 303 within cannula cavity 313. Inthe embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 15 through 19, a gas drivenpiston-type motor is employed, although it is understood, that othertype of motor, including rotary and linear motors alike, can be used tothe realize reciprocation mechanism 304 of the liposuction instrument ofthe present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, a piston-type motor 304 is mounted within amotor cavity 316 provided adjacent cannula cavity 313 of housing 302. Ingeneral, motor 304 comprises a chamber housing 317 having a gas inletport 318 and an inner chamber generally indicated by reference numeral319. Slidably received within the inner chamber of housing 317 is amovable piston 320 having formed in its lowermost wall 321, one or moregas outlet ports 322. Mounted to the top portion of movable piston 320is actuation element 323, which projects through a longitudinallydisposed slot 324 formed in the bearing wall 314 of cannula cavity 313.Projection 312 of actuation element 323 through the slot 324, isreceived within notch 309 formed in cannula base 307 and operablyassociates cannula 303 with motor 304.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, chamber housing 317 is fixedly disposedwithin motor cavity 316. Motor cavity 316 is also provided with at leastone port 325 for ventilating to the ambient environment, gas releasedfrom movable piston 320 upon reaching it maximum displacement orexcursion. Movable piston 320 is biased in the direction of chamberhousing 317 by way of a spring biasing element 326. The compliance ofspring biasing element 326 can be adjusted by moving the position ofslidable wall 327 by rotating, for example, threaded element 328 passingthrough a portion 329 of the housing 302, as shown. With thisarrangement, adjustment of wall 327, closer to or farther from chamberhousing 317, results in decreasing or increasing, respectively, thecompliance of spring biasing means 326. This, in turn, provides asimple, yet reliable way in which to control the rate of reciprocationof movable piston 320, and thus the rate of reciprocation of cannula 303relative to housing 302.

The manner of operation of piston-type motor 304 is described as follow.Gas, such as pressurized air of N₂ gas, is introduced under constantpressure to inlet port 318 of chamber housing 317. As the gas fills upthe volume enclosed by the interior walls of the movable piston and thechamber, inner chamber 319 begins to expand, forcing movable piston 320upwardly against the biasing force of spring biasing element 326. Whenmovable piston 320 is displaced sufficiently enough from chamber housing317 so that gas within expanding chamber 319 can be released through gasexit port 325 to the ambient atmosphere, and piston 320 will be forcedback downwardly into chamber housing 317 at a rate inverselyproportional to the compliance of spring biasing element 326.Subsequently, chamber 319 will again fill up with gas, piston 320 willagain be displaced and gas subsequently vented, whereupon reciprocatingdisplacement of piston 320 will be repeated again in a cyclical manner.Since movable piston 320 is operably connected with cannula base 307 byway of actuation element 323, this reciprocating movement of piston 320results in reciprocating movement of cannula 303 within cannula cavity313.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the amount of excursion that the piston ispermitted to undergo before gas venting and subsequent downward pistonmovement occurs, is determined by the distance “d” defined gas outputport 322 and top wall surface 330 of chamber housing 317. Typically, acannula excursion distance of three inches, for example, willnecessitate that the parameter d, defined above, also be about threeinches.

To use the liposuction device 301 of the illustrative embodimentdescribed above with either cannula assembly 305 or 305′, the surgeoninserts either the cannula assembly shown in FIG. 18 or 19 into thecannula cavity of the hand-supportable housing 302 so that the actuator312, or other embodiment thereof, engages within the notch 309 or likestructure within the base portion of the cannula assembly, and securesthe cannula assembly within the hand-supportable housing, as shown, forexample in FIG. 16. An indifferent/defuse electrode 382 is applied tothe skin of the patient in a conventional manner, and theindifferent/diffuse electrode is then connected to the V2 terminal ofthe electro-cautery power supply unit 360. The surgeon then activatesthe air power supply to the instrument, as well as the electro-cauterypower supply unit 360. Then, while holding the housing within the graspof the surgeon's hand, the surgeon performs a liposuction procedure in anormal manner. During the procedure, the instrument effectuates periodicdisplacement of the general location of aspiration along the distal endof the cannula assembly, through the reciprocating movement of cannulawhile permitting electro-cauterization of aspirated tissue duringoperation of the liposuction device.

When performing a liposuction procedure using the cannula assembly shownin FIG. 18, the tissue of the patient to be aspirated through theaspiration aperture 356 is maintained at electrical ground potential byway the indifferent/diffuse electrode 382. At the same time, theelectro-cauterizing electrode 356 is maintained in electrical contactwith the active output terminal of the unipolar cautery power unit 360by virtue of the electrical pathway established therebetween anddescribed in detail above. It is understood, however, that there are avariety of different electrical paths that may be established tomaintain the electro-cauterizing electrode(s) 356 in electrical contactwith the output power terminal of the unipolar cautery power unit 360.Thus, during a liposuction procedure, the sample of tissue about to beaspirated through the aspiration aperture is maintained at a differencein electrical potential (i.e. at a voltage) equal to the electricalpotential of the active output power terminal V₂, referenced to zerovolts ground potential V₁. In practice, this voltage is sufficient toelectro-cauterize tissue during aspiration to prevent hemorrhaging andthe like to the patient, thereby improving the safety of the procedure.

The above-described mono-polar electro-cauterizing liposuctioninstrument can be modified in many ways. For example, the form factor ofthe hand-supportable housing may be realized in the form of the otherhand-supportable housing shown herein. Also, the means and way by whichthe electro-cauterizing cannula assembly physically and electricallyconnects to the actuator and thus the reciprocation mechanism within thehand-supportable housing may vary from embodiment to embodiment of thepresent invention.

In the illustrative embodiments of the present invention describedabove, the powered liposuction instrument employed either apneumatically-powered or an electrically powered reciprocation mechanismto drive the actuator engaging the inner cannula structure of theinstrument. In case of the illustrative embodiments of thepneumatically-powered liposuction instruments described above, controlover pressurized air flow streams, used to drive the motion of theactuator during instrument operation, is carried out onboard of thehand-supportable liposuction instrument. In alternative embodiments likethe ones shown in FIGS. 20A through 38B, and described in detailhereinafter, control over pressurized air-flow streams used to drive theliposuction instrument is carried out external to the hand-supportableinstrument, preferably within an external instrument control unit (i.e.instrument controller) having a control console that support variousinstrument control and display functions.

Air-Powered Liposuction Instrument System Having an IntelligentInstrument Controller with an Electronically-Controlled Air-Flow ControlValve Assembly and RF Power Signal Input/Output Port

Referring to FIGS. 20A through 34, another illustrative embodiment of apneumatically-powered (i.e., air-powered) liposuction instrument systemof the present invention 400 will be described in detail. As shown inFIG. 20A, the air-powered liposuction system comprises: apneumatically-powered liposuction instrument 401; an intelligentinstrument controller 402 provided with an electronically-controlledair-flow control valve assembly 403 and an RF power signal input/outputport 404; an external pressurized air supply source (i.e. generator) 405for supplying a pressurized air flow stream to theelectronically-controlled air-flow control valve assembly 403, and fromwhich a pair of pressurized electronically-controlled air flow streams406A and 406B are generated within the instrument controller 402 andsupplied to a dual-port air cylinder (i.e. reciprocation mechanism) 407within the hand-supportable liposuction instrument 401 by way of a dualair-flow tubing structure 408 (connected between the instrument and thecontroller) so as to drive the actuator 409 within the instrument andthus reciprocate the inner cannula structure 410 employed therein duringpower-assisted liposuction operations; an electrical wiring cable 411connected between the instrument 401 and the instrument controller 402,to support the communication of low-voltage electrical control andmonitoring signals between the instrument 401 and the controller 402;and a RF power signal source (i.e. generator) 412, connected to the RFpower input signal port 404 on the instrument controller by way of ashort length of RF power signal cable 413, for generating and supplyinga RF power signal (of suitable frequency and power characteristics) tothe instrument controller 402 for electronically-controlled delivery ofthe generated RF power signal, from RF output port 422, to thehand-supportable liposuction instrument 401 by way of a longer-lengthflexible RF power signal cable structure 413 connected between the RFpower output port 404 on the instrument controller 402 and the RF powersignal input port 404 on the hand-supportable liposuction instrument401. During operation of this powered liposuction instrument system, theinner and outer cannulas of the powered liposuction instrument areautomatically reciprocated in response to a pair of electronicallycontrolled pressurized air flow streams generated within the instrumentcontroller and supplied to the opposite ends of the dual-portpressurized air cylinder 407 within the instrument, to thereby cause theactuator and this inner cannula within the instrument to reciprocate ata stroke length and rate manually selected by the surgeon manipulatingreciprocation stroke length and rate control switches 415 and 416mounted on the instrument housing.

As shown in FIGS. 27C and 30, the pair of electronically controlledpressurized air flow streams 406A and 406B are used to power thereciprocation mechanism within the liposuction instrument. Thesepressurized air-flow streams are produced within the instrumentcontroller 402 by (i) automatically generating digital control signalsOP(8) through OP(11) from a programmed microprocessor 417 aboard theinstrument controller 402 running the control programs illustrated inFIGS. 31A through 33C, and (ii) supplying these digital control signalsOP(8) through OP(11) to the electronically-controlled air flow valveassembly 403 shown in FIG. 30, mounted aboard the instrument controller.Also, bipolar RF power signals 418 are (i) generated from external RFpower signal generator 412, (ii) controllably switched through theintelligent instrument controller 402, and (iii) ultimately supplied tothe bipolar terminals of the electro-cauterizing dual cannula assemblyof the instrument system 420. During instrument operation, these bipolarRF power signals are produced aboard the instrument controller by (i)generating digital control signal DAC(0) and (ii) supplying this digitalcontrol signal to a solenoid relay 421 aboard the instrument controller.When the solenoid relay 421 is switched, it commutes the RF power signalsupplied to RF power signal input port 404 to the RF power signal outputport 421, and is thus supplied to the electro-cautery cannula assemblyby way of flexible RF power signal cable construction 413, as shown inFIG. 20A.

As shown in FIG. 20D, the rear end of the powered liposuction instrumenthousing 423 supports a number of connectors (ports), namely: apressurized dual air-power supply-line connector 424, for connecting oneend of the dual air-flow tubing structure 425 to the instrument, whilethe other end thereof is connected to a matching connector mounted onthe rear panel of the instrument controller; an electrical controlsignal connector 426 for connecting one end of electrical control signalcable 411 to the instrument, while the other end thereof is connected toa matching connector mounted on the rear panel of the instrumentcontroller; an RF power signal connector 427 for connecting one end ofthe flexible RF power signal cable 413 to the instrument, while theother end thereof is connected to a matching connector mounted on therear panel of the instrument controller 402; and a tissue-aspiratingtubing port 428, in communication with a cylindrical recess 429extending along the central longitudinal axis of the instrument housing423, for permitting the flexible aspiration tubing 430, connected to abarbed tube receiving structure 431 formed on the base portion of theinner cannula, to freely slide along the cylindrical recess duringcannula reciprocation operations.

FIGS. 21A and 21B show cross-sectional view of the hand-supportableliposuction instrument, and the various subcomponents contained thereincomprising the same. Notably, the dual-port air-cylinder structure 407used to realize the cannula reciprocation mechanism is operably coupledto the base portion of the inner cannula 410 by way of an actuator 409having a carriage assembly 423. As shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B, actuator409 is provided with a first recess 433 for receiving the base portion434 of the inner cannula in a snap-fit manner, and also a second recess435 for receiving the slidable electrode 436 associated with theactuator position sensing device 437 (i.e. slidable potentiometer) alsoin a snap-fit manner.

In this illustrative embodiment, the cannula reciprocation stroke lengthcontrol switch (i.e. rotatable potentiometer) 415 is manipulated by aknob or like structure 415′ located on the top surface of theinstrument, whereas the cannula reciprocation rate control mechanism 416is realized within the spring-biased hinged housing cover panel 439.These reciprocation mechanism controls will be described in greaterdetail hereinbelow.

As illustrated in FIG. 21C, the spring-biased hinged door panel 439 isshown arranged in its open configuration so as to permit access to andconnection and/or disconnection of the flexible aspiration tubing 430 onthe end of the inner cannula (not shown). During typical liposuction andother types of tissue aspiration operations carried out using theliposuction instrument of the present invention, it is expected that thesurgeon will need to often change cannulas to perform different types ofbody sculpturing or contouring operations. To change cannulas, thesurgeon will simply slide lever 432 to open the spring-biased door cover439 and access the base portion of the inner cannula to either connector disconnect a length of flexible aspiration tubing 430, as the casemay be. Thereafter, the surgeon simply snap shuts the hinged door cover439 and resumes instrument operation.

As shown in FIGS. 20B and 20C, the length the inner cannula 410 which ispermitted to undergo during cannula reciprocation operations (i.e.termed cannula stroke length) is controlled by the surgeon duringinstrument operation by simply rotating the cannula reciprocation strokecontrol switch 415 with the surgeon's thumb, whereas the rate of cannulareciprocation is controlled by the surgeon depressing the spring-biasedcannula reciprocation rate control switch 416 operated by the surgeonsqueezing the spring-biased hinged cover panel 439 of the instrumenthousing.

As shown in FIGS. 28A1 and 28A2, the cannula reciprocation stroke lengthswitch (i.e., rotatable potentiometer 415) produces a control voltagewhich is transmitted to the programmed microprocessor 417 within theinstrument controller by way of the electrical control signal cable 411.As shown in FIGS. 28A1 and 28A2, the cannula reciprocation rate controlswitch 416 (i.e., realized using flexible potentiometer 440) produces acontrol voltage (upon physical bending or deformation) which istransmitted to the programmed microprocessor 417, also by way ofelectrical control signal cable 411. The flexible potentiometer 440 usedto implement the cannula reciprocation rate control switch 416 can berealized using a variable resistor such as a plastic conductor whoseresistance varies upon bending, made by Spectra Symbols, Inc. In FIG.21F, this flexible potentiometer is shown unflexed (i.e. deformed) withthe hinged spring-biased door panel 439 shown arranged in its closedconfiguration at its “zero” cannula rate control position. In FIG. 21G,the flexible potentiometer 440 is shown unflexed (i.e. deformed) withthe hinged spring-biased door panel 439 shown arranged in its closedconfiguration at its “maximum” cannula rate control position. As shownin FIG. 21E, a spring 442 is used to bias the hinged cover door panel439. As shown in FIGS. 21F and 21G, this spring applies a biasing forceagainst the hinged cover panel 439 when the panel is arranged in itsclosed configuration and slidable switch 432 is arranged in its doorlocked configuration.

In FIGS. 22A and 22B, left and right instrument housing halves 423A and423B are shown in a dissembled configuration with all components removedtherefrom. Notably, each housing half has various recesses formed tosecurely receive particular subcomponents of the instrument and maintainthe same in strict alignment upon instrument assembly and operation.Preferably, these housing halves are made from lightweightinjected-molded plastic material that can be suitably autoclaved in aconventional manner.

In FIG. 23A, the dual-port air-cylinder structure 407 (e.g., realized asrodless Bimba UG-00704000-B cylinder) is shown arranged in associationwith its inner cannula actuator position sensing transducer 437, whilethis assembly is removed entirely from the instrument housing. As shownin FIG. 23B, the base portion of the inner cannula is shown lockedwithin the first recess 434 formed in the carriage structure of theactuator 409, whereas the slidable electrode 433 of the actuatorposition sensor 437 is adapted for snap-fit receipt in the second recess435 in the actuator carriage structure 409. In the illustrativeembodiment, the actuator position sensing transducer 437 is realized asa slidable linear potentiometer (e.g. as Bourne 53AAA-C20-E13 linearpotentiometer) mounted within the instrument housing, as shown in FIGS.21A, 21B and 21D, with its slidable electrode (i.e. contact) 433received in the second recess of the actuator carriage 435.

In the illustrative embodiment, the air-cylinder based reciprocationmechanism 407 comprises a tube 407A mounted within a support 407B, andhaving end air-ports 407C, 407D, and a slidable internally-arranged wall407E that is magnetically coupled to an external block 407F which isfastened to the actuator 409 by a set of screws or like fasteningmechanism. As the cylinder wall 407E is pushed back and forth with tube407A, under the pressure of air flow streams 406A, 406B delivered toair-ports 407C, 407D by the electronically-controlled air-flow controlvalve 403 within the instrument controller 402, the actuatorreciprocates.

In FIG. 23C, the electrical subassembly 445 employed in the poweredliposuction instrument 401 is shown removed from its hand-supportablehousing. As shown in FIG. 23C, electrical subassembly 445 comprises anassemblage of subcomponents, namely: inner actuator position sensingtransducer 433 (removed from carriage structure of the cannulaactuator); cannula reciprocation stroke control switch (i.e.potentiometer) 415; cannula reciprocation rate control switch (i.e.flexible potentiometer) 440; electrical connector 446 mounted within therear end of the instrument housing and connected to the electricalcontrol signal connector 426 described above; and an electrical wiringharness 447 connecting the above electrical components into anelectrical circuit specified in the schematic diagram shown in FIG. 30A.

In FIGS. 25A through 26C, a bipolar electro-cauterizing dual cannulaassembly 420 is shown for use with the pneumatically-powered liposuctioninstrument shown in FIGS. 20A and 35A, and other liposuction instrumentsdescribed through the present Patent Specification. As shown, dualcannula assembly 420 comprises: stationary outer cannula structure 450having one or more elongated outer aspiration apertures 451, with a baseportion 452 adapted to releasable connection to the front end portion ofthe hand-supportable instrument housing; and an inner cannula structure410, slidably received within the stationary outer cannula 450, havingone or more inner aspiration apertures 453 in registration with theouter aspiration aspiration apertures 452, and a base portion 431adapted for snap-fit receipt within the first recess 433 of the carriageportion of the inner cannula actuator 409, described in detail above.The inner cannula 410, detailed in FIGS. 26A through 26C, also has anoutlet port 455 formed at its base portion, and is in communication withthe inner and outer aspiration apertures for aspiration of tissue duringinstrument operation. The dual cannula assembly shown in FIGS. 24Athrough 24B also includes a pair of first and second electro-cauterizingelectrodes 456A, 456B realized about the inner and outer aspirationapertures 452 and 451 in order to realize bipolar cauterizing electrodesin proximity with the reciprocating aspiration aperture of the dualcannula assembly, as described in detail hereinabove in connection withother illustrative embodiments disclosed herein. All of these teachingare incorporated herein by reference and applicable to the poweredliposuction instrument systems shown in FIGS. 20A, 35A, 35B, and 40A.

The Intelligent Instrument Controller of the Present Invention Having anElectronically-Controlled Air-Flow Control Valve Assembly Air-SupplyInput/Output Ports and RF Power Signal Input/Output Ports

As best shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B, the intelligent instrumentcontroller 402 shown in FIGS. 20A, 27A, 27B, 27C, and 35C comprises: anassembly of components, namely: a housing 430 of compact construction,supporting a pair of air-supply input/output ports 405A and 405B withsuitable connectors, a pair of RF power signal input/output ports 404Aand 404B with suitable connectors, an input/output electrical controlsignal port 406 with one or more suitable connectors, and a 24 Volt DCpower input supply line 465; a printed circuit (PC) board 466 shown inFIG. 28B supporting the electrical circuits specified in the schematicdiagram of FIGS. 29A and 29B, including a programmed applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC) 467 functioning as digital signalprocessor 417 adapted to run various computer programs, including thethree BASIC-language expressed computer control programs entitledRECIPROCATE, ANALOG and SCALE set forth in FIGS. 31A through 33C; anelectronically servo-controlled air-flow control valve assembly 403specified in FIG. 30, and realized by mounting four digitallyservo-controlled air valves (AFV1 through AFV4) 403A, 403B, 403C and403D, respectively, within an air flow manifold structure 403E having anair-flow input port 403F (connected to input air-flow supply port oncontroller housing), a left air-flow output port 403G (connected to theleft end of the dual-port air cylinder 407 in the liposuctioninstrument), a right air-flow output port 403H (connected to the rightend of the dual-port air cylinder 407 in the liposuction instrument), aleft air-flow exhaust port 4031 venting to the ambient atmosphere, and aright air-flow exhaust port 403J venting to the ambient atmosphere, soas to control air-flow valves (AFV1 through AFV4) arranged alongair-flow manifold 403E; and an easy-to-read/operate user control consolepanel 468 comprising (i) four membrane type switches 469, 470, 471 and472 for selecting a desired cannula stroke length dimension (i.e. inchesor centimeters) for measurement and display and for enabling anddisabling electro-cautery function selection, (ii) six LED indicators473, 474, 475, 476, 477 and 478 for indicating power ON/OFF functionselection, cannula stroke length dimension selection, andelectro-cautery enable/disable function selection, (iii) a pair ofLCD-based display panels 479 and 480 for displaying bar graphindications of inner cannula reciprocation rate (in cycles/sec) andinner cannula position measured by the cannula position sensor mountedwithin the hand-supportable liposuction instrument, and (iv) a LCD-basedpanel 481, connected to the serial data port of the digital signalprocessor 417, for displaying measured numerical values for theinstantaneous rate of reciprocation for the inner cannula and theinstantaneous stroke length thereof.

As shown in FIG. 27B, the bar graphs displayed on LCD panels 479 and 480offer instantaneous display of the relative position of the innercannula stroke length rate of inner cannula reciprocation at all times.The LCD panel 481 arranged within the central portion of the consolepanel 468 offers a more precise digital readout of cannula reciprocationrate and cannula stroke length as well as alert conditions. Notably,cannula stroke length may be displayed in centimeter or inch units byselecting the corresponding membrane switch 469 or 470, respectively.

During system operation, the instrument controller 401 receives an inputof pressurized gas (from any of the convenient sources 405 available inoperating room settings such as tanked nitrogen gas) at input air flowinput port 403F, and generates a pair of pressurized air-flow streams406A and 406B for supply to the left and right ends (407C, 407D) of thedual-port cylinder 407 employed in reciprocation mechanism of theinstrument. These pressurized air-flow streams are generated under thecontrol of digital control signals OP(8) through OP(11) produced by ASIC480 functioning as a digital signal processor (DSP) 417 and alsoanalog-to-digital converter (ADC) 482 and digital-to-analog converter(DAC) 483. The DSP controls the four air-flow control valves 403Athrough 403D in a cyclical manner to instantaneously vary the cannulareciprocation rate and stroke length in response to the surgeon'sadjustment of the cannula stroke control switch (i.e. spring-biasedpanel door) and reciprocation rate settings on the hand-supportedinstrument housing. The firmness with which the actuator 409 ends eachstroke is moderately cushioned by the default factory setting (byadjusting external potentiometer 484 in FIG. 21A) but may be increasedor decreased in response to surgeon's preference by trainedmanufacturer's representatives.

FIGS. 28A1 and 28A2 present a hybrid electrical and mechanical schematicrepresentation of the powered liposuction instrument system of thepresent invention. As shown, analog voltage input signals are generatedfrom the stroke, position and rate potentiometers 415, 437 and 440aboard the powered liposuction instrument and supplied as analog inputvoltage signals to the A/D conversion circuit (ADC) of the ASIC 480 forprocessing. In response, the DSP 417, running the control programsspecified in FIGS. 31A through 33C, automatically generates: (i) digitalvoltage output control signals OP(8) through OP(11) which are thensupplied as output voltage signals to the air-control valve assembly 403within the intelligent instrument controller 402, so as to generate thepair of pressurized air-supply streams 406A and 406B that are suppliedto the liposuction instrument 401; and (ii) a digital control voltageoutput signal which is converted to an analog control voltage signal byDAC 483, and then supplied to the control input port of the external RFsignal source (i.e. generator) 412. In turn, RF signal generator 412generates an RF power signal and supplies the same to the intelligentinstrument controller for controlled delivery to the dual cannulaassembly of the powered liposuction instrument via its RF power signalcable structure. The membrane switches 469 and 470 on the controlconsole of the instrument controller enable the surgeon to displayselected cannula stroke in centimeters or inches, respectively, on LCDpanel 481. Cannula reciprocation rate is automatically displayed on LCDpanel 479 in cycles per minute (CPM), alongside cannula stroke length(in centimeters or inches) displayed on LCD panel 480. The membraneswitches 471 and 472 on the control console enable the surgeon to enableand disable bipolar electro-cauterization, respectively.

FIG. 28B sets forth a schematic layout of the components (e.g. ASIC 480)used on the prototype printed circuit (PC) board 466 within theintelligent instrument controller schematically described in FIGS. 28A1and 28A2. The electrical components appearing on this board are shown inthe schematic diagram set forth in FIGS. 29A and 29B.

FIGS. 29A and 29B, taken together, set forth an electrical schematicdiagram of the analog and digital circuitry realized on the sole PCboard 466 shown in FIG. 28 and mounted within the intelligent instrumentcontroller.

As shown in FIG. 30, the servo controlled air-flow valve assembly of thepresent invention enable the reliable control of three basic kinds ofpressurized air-flow streams between the liposuction instrument 401 andits instrument controller 402, namely: (i) the flow of pressurized airfrom the central air-flow input port 403F to either the left air-flowinput/output port 403G or right air-flow input/output port 403H; (ii)the flow of pressurized air from the left air-flow input/output port403F to the left air-flow exhaust port 4031; and (iii) the flow ofpressurized air from the right air-flow input/output port 403F to theright air-flow exhaust port 403J. In general, control of the air-poweredcannula reciprocation mechanism within the instrument is carried out bythe programmed DSP 417, in a manner independent of theelectro-cauterizing functionality of the system.

As shown in FIGS. 31A through 31D, the primary control program entitledRECIPROCATE is run on the DSP 480 within the instrument controller. Inthe illustrative embodiment, this control program functions as theprimary control thread calling programs ANALOG and SCALE, as second andthird control threads running within the first control thread.

As indicated at Block A in FIG. 31A, under the caption “Initialize”, thecontrol program RECIPROCATE launches the subprogram ANALOG to readpotentiometer inputs 415, 437 and 440 corresponding to the desiredstroke, position, rate and cushion settings on the instrument, and thenthe program RECIPROCATE calls the subprogram SCALE to scale thesevariables. When either the stroke control knob 415 is turned to zero, orthe trigger 439 is released, the software program RECPIROCATE positionsand locks the inner cannula 410 in the forward position and turns thereciprocation “off” so that the inner cannula may be changed or removedfrom the hand-supportable housing. The program RECIPROCATE then readsthe control console keypads 469-472 and controls its LEDs 473-478 todefault settings. Then the program resides in its “attention state”until it is engaged into its “reciprocation state” by the surgeon movingthe cannula stroke and rate controls 415 or 440 to non-zero positions.

As indicated at the extended block of code indicated as Block B in FIGS.31A-31C, under the caption “reciprocation”, the software RECIPROCATEchecks to determine that both the cannula stroke and rate controls aremoved to non-zero values by the surgeon/operator, and if so, thencontrols the LCD panels and LEDs accordingly, and then checks todetermine if the electro-cautery option has been selected. If so, theRECIPROCATION program drives the electro-cautery solenoid relay 421.

As indicated at Block B1 in FIG. 31C, the RECIPROCATION programthereafter drives the inner cannula in its “backstroke” direction bygenerating the sequence of digital control signals OP(10,0), OP(11,1),OP(8,0), OP(9,1). As indicated at Block B2, the RECIPROCATION programsets a cushion-back control over the movement of the inner cannula inthe backstroke direction (achieved by clamping the exhaust valve to slowdown air exhaust and permit compression of air within the cylinder inthe back-stroke direction).

As indicated at Block B2, this cushion-back control is dependent upon a“test-stroke” routine, in which the RECIPROCATION program tests whetherthe inner cannula stroke control has been set by the surgeon/operatorequal to or below a predetermined “short” stroke position. In the eventthat the stroke control value has been set equal to or below thepredetermined short stroke position, then the RECIPROCATION programskips setting cushion-back control, and sets a timer, during which theinner cannula is permitted to travel to its predetermined backstrokeposition before being automatically driven in the return strokedirection to its forward home position, and such inner cannulareciprocation operations repeated in a cyclical manner. Then, secondly,the RECIPROCATION program checks to determine whether or not the innercannula reaches its target stroke position, as specified by the cannulastroke control manually set by the surgeon. If the inner cannula reachesit target stroke position, then the RECIPROCATION program checksadvances to the “return stroke” routine set forth at Block B3. If thetimer lapses before the inner cannula reaches it target stroke position,then the RECIPROCATION program checks advances to the “return stroke”routine set forth at Block B3.

As indicated at Block B3 in FIG. 31D, the return-stroke routine involvesthe RECIPROCATION program driving the inner cannula in its “returnstroke” direction by generating the sequence of digital control signalsOP(9,0), OP(8,1), OP(11,0), OP(10,1).

As indicated at Block B4 in FIG. 31D, the RECIPROCATION program sets acushion-front control over the movement of the inner cannula in thereturn-stroke direction (achieved by clamping the other exhaust valve toslow down air exhaust and permit compression of air within the cylinderin the return-stroke direction).

At Block B4, this cushion-front control is dependent upon a “test-home”routine set forth at Block B5 in FIG. 31E. The RECIPROCATION programsets another predetermined time period and determines whether the innercannula reaches the stroke position manually set by the surgeon/operatorusing the inner cannula stroke control switch 415′ within thepredetermined time period. Also, a check is set up at Block B6 in FIG.31E to determine that control threads ANALOG and SCALE are running. Inthe event that the inner cannula reaches the stroke position manuallyset by the surgeon/operator within the predetermined time period, thenthe inner cannula is automatically driven in the back stroke direction,and such inner cannula reciprocation operations repeated in a cyclicalmanner. If the inner cannula does not reach it target stroke positionduring the predetermined time period, then the RECIPROCATION programrepeats the reciprocation loop. Only in the event of catastrophicfailure or operation does the RECIPROCATION program enter the “loopexit” routine where the cylinders are automatically vented and thecontrol thread for ANALOG and SCALE subroutines.

As shown at Block A1 in FIG. 32A, the ANALOG subprogram firstinitializes the “Global Variables” used by the subprogram. At Block A2,the ANALOG subprogram initializes the “Local Variables” used by thesubprogram. Then at Block C, the analog program gets instrumentfeedback.

At Block C in FIG. 32B, the subprogram ANALOG measures the range of therate control switch flexible potentiometer 440.

At Block D in FIG. 32B, the subprogram ANALOG reads the cannula strokeand rate control switches 415 and 440 to confirm that the both controlsare set to non-zero values. Then at Block E, the subprogram ANALOG readsthe cannula position transducer (i.e. analog position encoder) andanalyzes the sensed position value against the last position value so asto determine whether or not the inner cannula is moving or isstationary. At Block F, the subprogram ANALOG stores the present cannulaposition value in memory for use in comparison operations performedduring the next control loop in the program RECIPROCATE. Then, at BlockG, the subprogram ANALOG determines whether (i) both the cannula strokeand rate control values are non-zero, and (ii) the inner cannula ismoving, and if these two conditions hold, then the variable VR(9) is setto 1; otherwise VR(9)=0.

At Block H in FIG. 32B, the subprogram ANALOG determines whether thesurgeon/operator has selected the electro-cautery option, by depressingthe corresponding control pad on the control console 468, and if so,then sets the variable VR(10) to 1, and 0 if no electro-cautery isdesired.

Then at Block I in FIG. 32C, the subprogram ANALOG checks ifelectro-cautery has been selected, and if so then sets the enableelectro-cautery variable VR(11) to 1, and to 0 if this option has notbeen selected. At Block J, the subprogram reads the control pads todetermine if the stroke position has been changed to centimeters, and ifso, then sets the variable VR(12) to 1, or to 0 if units should be indefault units of measurement (i.e. inches).

As shown at Block A in FIG. 33A, the SCALE subprogram first initializesthe “Global Variables” used by the subprogram. Then, at Block A1, theSCALE subprogram initializes the “Local Variables” used by thesubprogram. At Blocks B1 through B3 in FIG. 33B, the subprogram SCALEtakes analog input voltages from the ANALOG subprogram and converts theminto corresponding digital voltage values for use by the program ANALOG.At Block C in FIGS. 33B and 33C, the subprogram SCALE assigns instrumentparameters such as rate-delay, stroke-length, and stroke-time tovariables computed in accordance with formulas set forth in the SCALEsubprogram. Notably, the constants C₁ through C₈ used in these formulas(set forth at Block B3) can be empirically determined in the laboratorywithout undue experimentation, and will be dependent on the technologyused to implement the instruments and systems of the present invention.Blocks D, E and F in FIGS. 33C are provided to ensure a reliable systemdesign.

In FIG. 34, a high-level flow chart of the electro-cautery controlprocess of the present invention is shown. While this control process isembodied within the control process carried out by the programsRECIPROCATION, ANALOG and SCALE, described above, this control processis summarized in the flow chart of FIG. 34.

As indicated at Block A in FIG. 34, the control process determines thatthe electro-cautery option has been selected by the surgeon on thecontrol console. If not, then the control thread advances to Block Bwhere the cautery is disabled before returning to the top of the controlthread (Start). If the electro-cautery option has been selected, thenthe control process advances to Block C where it determines that thecannula stroke and rate controls are non-zero. If not, then the controlflow returns to Block B where electro-cautery is disabled. If thecannula stroke and rate controls are non-zero, then the control flowadvances to Block D where it determines whether the inner cannula ismoving, as determined by its motion sensing apparatus. If not, then thecontrol process returns to Block B where electo-cautery is disabled. Ifthe inner cannula is moving, then the control process advances to BlockE where the electro-cautery is enabled before the control processreturns to the beginning of the control loop. This process is repeatedin a cyclical manner. In the event that the surgeon manually switcheseither the cannula stroke length or rate to zero value, or the cannulastops moving, then automatically the control process of the presentinvention will automatically disable the electro-cautery function of thepower-assisted liposuction instrument of the present invention.

In summary, the RECIPROCATION program drives the inner cannula back andforth within the hand-supportable instrument by generating “backstroke”and “return stroke” digital control signals which are supplied to theelectronically-controlled multi-value air-flow assembly 403. When beingdriven in the backstroke direction, the RECIPROCATION programautomatically checks to determine whether or not the surgeon hasmanually selected a “short-stroke” value (determined against apredetermined reference), and if so, avoids setting up a cushioningcontrol in the backstroke direction. When being driven in thereturn-stroke direction, the RECIPROCATION program automatically checksto determine whether or not the inner cannula has traveled, during thepredetermined time period, to the cannula stroke position value set bythe surgeon/operator, and if so, automatically generates the appropriatedigital control signals for the return stroke operation. Forelectro-cautery option to be enabled, the RECIPROCATION program mustdetect non-zero values set for the cannula stroke-length and ratecontrols, as well as detect that the inner cannula is in fact movingwithin the stationary outer cannula. If one of these conditions is notsatisfied, then automatically the instrument controller disables theelectro-cautery function of the instrument system.

Air-Powered Liposuction Instrument System Having a Multi-Core CableConstruction and an Intelligent Instrument Controller with anElectronically-Controlled Air-Flow Control Valve Assembly and RF PowerSignal Input/Output Port

In FIG. 35A, there is shown another illustrative embodiment of thepowered liposuction instrument system of the present invention 500,comprising: an intelligent instrument controller 402′ as generally shownin FIGS. 27A through 34 and described above, and having a multi-coreconnector assembly 501, as shown in FIGS. 36B through 36E, forconnecting to the air supply lines, electrical control lines and RFpower supply lines within the instrument controller 402′; ahand-supportable air-powered liposuction instrument 401′, as generallyillustrated in FIGS. 20A through 20C and described above, and having anelectro-cauterizing dual-cannula assembly 420 as shown in FIGS. 24Athrough 26C, and a multi-core connector assembly 501B as shown in FIGS.36B through 36E for connecting to the air supply lines, electricalcontrol lines and RF power supply lines within the hand-supportableinstrument 401′; and a flexible multi-core cable construction 502 shownin FIGS. 36A through 36H, including first and second multi-coreconnector plugs 503A, 503B, multi-core cable 504, rubber shroud covers505, assembled for interconnecting multi-core connector assemblies 501Aand 501B and thus establishing communication between the correspondingthe air-supply lines, the electrical control lines and the RF-powersupply lines within the instrument 401′ and its system controller 402′.

As shown in FIG. 36B, each multi-core connector assembly 501A, 501Bcomprises: a plastic housing 506 having a cylindrical mounting portion507 designed to be received within a mated portion of thehand-supportable housing of instrument 401′, or the instrument systemcontroller 402′, as the case may be, and also a cylindrical recess 508for receiving the cylindrical end portion of a quick-connect multi-coreplug 503, as shown; a pin connector 509 mounted within the housing forconnecting to the electrical control lines and RF power supply lineswithin the hand-supportable instrument (or the instrument controller asthe case may be), and also for receiving the electrical control and RFpower supply pins on the quick-connect multi-core plug 503; a pair ofair-flow ports 510A, 510B mounted within the housing for connecting tothe pair of air flow tubes within the instrument connected to the endsof the air cylinder supported therein (or within the instrumentcontroller connected to the digitally-controlled multi-port valveassembly), and also for receiving the air-flow ports on thequick-connect multi-core plug 503 mated thereto; and a spring-loadedconnector release button 511 mounted within the housing 506, forreleasably engaging the mated quick-connect and release of themulti-core plug 503. FIG. 36C shows the multi-core connector assembly501 from different perspectives. FIG. 36D shows the cylindrical mountingportion 507 of the housing of the multi-core connector assembly 501.FIG. 36E shows the cylindrical recess 508 of the housing of themulti-core connector assembly 504.

The Multi-Core Cable Construction of the Present Invention

As shown in FIG. 36A, the multi-core cable construction of the presentinvention 502 comprises: a pair of quick-connect multi-core plugs 503and 503 adapted to receive the three (3) different ports formed withinthe multi-core connector assembly 501A, 501B installed within theinstrument 401′ and instrument controller 402′ (as the case may be); andflexible length of multi-core cable 504 carrying electrical controlwires, RF power wires and air-supply lines connected to the respectiveports of the quick-connect multi-core plugs 503A and 503B.

As shown in FIG. 36F, each quick-connect multi-core plug 503 comprises:a plastic housing 513 having the cylindrical end portion 514 designedfor insertion within the cylindrical recess 508 of the multi-portconnector assembly 501; a pin connector 515 mounted within the housingfor connecting to the pin connector 509 mounted within the multi-portconnector assembly 501; a pair of air-flow port connectors 516A an 516Bmounted within the connector housing 513 for connecting to the pair ofair flow ports 516A, 516B; a cylindrical portion 518 supporting pinconnector within the housing for connecting to the electrical controland RF power wires associated with the multi-core cable construction504, and air-flow port connectors 516A, 516B for receiving the terminalportions of air tubing sections associated with the multi-core cableconstruction 504; and plastic shroud cover 505 for covering theinterface of the multi-core plug and multi-core cable construction 502,to seal off these connection interfaces from dirt, and other forms ofdebris.

The intelligent instrument controller 402′ shown in FIGS. 37A and 37B isessentially the same as the system controller 402 shown in FIGS. 27A and27B, except that a multi-core connector assembly 501 is mounted withinthe rear portion of the controller housing to provide connections topressurized air-flow supplies, electrical control signaling and RF powersupply signaling.

FIGS. 38A through 38C show a schematic diagram illustrating theconnections between the components of the powered liposuction systemshown in FIGS. 35A and 35B. Analog input voltages are indicated by AIN(), whereas digital input signals (from the control console) areindicated by IN( ), and digital output signals are indicated by OP( ).The wiring connections from within the hand-supportable instrument tothe multi-core connector assembly 501 are indicated in FIGS. 38A through38C.

As illustrated in FIGS. 38A through 38C, instrument system 500 theintelligent instrument controller 402′ further includes a second A/Dconverter 520 and a second DSP 521 which enables the system to measureand analyze the inner cannula stroke position and rate and, on areal-time basis, generate control signals which are used to control theRF power signal source 522, either realized within the instrumentcontroller or external thereto, as described above. These RF controlsignals can be used to control the frequency, temporal and/or powercharacteristic of the RF power signal used to drive theelectro-cauterizing cannula assembly employed by the instrument. In theevent the RF power module is to be provided internal to the controller,proper RF shielding measures should be undertaken in a manner known inthe art.

Alternative Embodiments of the Power-Assisted Tissue Removal InstrumentSystem of the Present Invention

FIG. 39 shows an alternative embodiment of the air-powered liposuctioninstrument of FIGS. 35A through 35C, wherein the hand-supportablehousing is designed to permit the aspiration tubing 430 to exit out of aport 530 formed along the side of the housing, towards its rear end.While there appear to be few, if any, advantages to this design over thepreferred designs disclosed herein, it is believed that some surgeonsmay prefer that the aspiration tubing exits from the side of theinstrument housing, rather from the rear end along the longitudinal axisof the instrument. In all other respects, this instrument system wouldbe similar to that shown in FIGS. 35A through 35C and this incorporatesthe features thereof.

In FIGS. 40A and 40B, there is shown an alternative embodiment of theair-powered liposuction instrument of the present invention 600, whereina curved electro-cauterizing dual cannula assembly 420′ is employed. Asshown, the curved outer cannula 450 is rigid while the inner cannula410′ is made from a flexible material such as flexible resilient medicalgrade plastic material or the like. FIG. 40B shows how the inner cannulaflexibly adapts to the rigid curved geometry of the outer cannulastructure. In all other respects, this electro-cauterizingtissue-aspiration instrument system is similar to the system disclosedin FIGS. 35A through 35C and embodies all of the same features. Thealternative cannula design is expected to have advantages when used toaspirate tissue from within various cavities of the human body.

In FIGS. 41A and 41B, there is shown an alternative bipolar-typeelectro-cauterizing dual cannula assembly for use with the poweredliposuction instruments of the present invention. As shown, this cannulaassembly 420″ comprises: an electrically conductive (e.g. metal) outercannula 450″ for releasably mounting within the hand-supportable housingof a powered liposuction instrument; and a molded or extruded plasticinner cannula 410″ for slidable support with the outer cannula andreciprocation by the actuator 409. In this embodiment shown in FIGS. 41Aand 41B, the plastic (non-conductive) inner cannula 410″ has a fineelectrically conductive wire 560 molded within the walls thereof whichterminate in an electrically conductive ring 561 about the aspirationaperture of the inner cannula. The purpose of this structure is toconduct RF power signals from the base portion of the plastic innercannula to the electrically-conductive ring during powered liposuctionand other tissue aspiration operations. In this dual cannula assembly,the outer cannula could be made from electrically-conductive material.

In FIG. 42, there is shown an alternative electro-cauterizing dualcannula assembly 570 for use in the powered liposuction instruments ofthe present invention. In this alternative embodiment, a stream ofirrigation fluid 571 is pumped from the base portion of the outercannula 572 to the distal portion thereof, along a micro-sized fluidconduit formed along the surface walls of the outer cannula, and isreleased into the interior distal portion of the outer cannula through asmall opening 572 formed therein, for infiltration and irrigation oftissue during aspiration in order to facilitate pump action. Thiscannula design will be useful in tissue-aspiration applications in whichirrigation fluid is required or desired.

In FIG. 43A, there is shown another alternative design for anelectro-cauterizing powered liposuction instrument of the presentinvention, indicated by referencee numeral 700. In this illustrativeembodiment, the inner cannula 410′ is loaded through an inner cannulaloading port 701 provided at the rear of the instrument housing, andthereafter is snap-fitted into position within recess 702 in thecarriage portion 703 of the air-powered actuator structure 704 installedtherein. During such inner cannula loading operations, the outer cannula420 should be first connected to the front portion of thehand-supportable housing, and then the actuator structure 704 retractedto the rear portion of the hand-supportable housing. Then, the distalportion of the inner cannula 410′ would be inserted first through thecannula loading port 701, and then its base portion 705 snap-fittedwithin recess 703 in the actuator carriage 703. Thereafter, a length ofaspirating tubing can be connected to the barbed end 706 of the cannulabase portion 705 by a push-inwardly type of action. Alternatively, theaspirating tube can be first connected to the base portion of the innercannula, and then the inner cannula/tubing subassembly loaded into theinner cannula loading port of the instrument. An advantage offered bythis rear-loading instrument design 700 is that it is possible toeliminate the need to open the hinged door panel each and every time thesurgeon desires to change cannulas during surgical operations, andpossibly even eliminate the hinged door panel entirely, in particularinstrument designs.

Notably, the electronically-controlled air-powered cannula reciprocationsubsystem, intelligent instrument controller, and multilayer cablesubsystem disclosed in connection with the illustrative embodiment ofFIGS. 20A through 40B, can also be used in single cannula designs astaught in FIGS. 15-19, incorporated herein by reference.

While the particular embodiments shown and described above have provento be useful in many applications in the liposuction art, furthermodifications of the present invention disclosed herein will occur topersons skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Allsuch modifications are deemed to be within the scope and spirit of thepresent invention defined by the appended claims.

1. A controller for use with an air-powered tissue-aspiration instrumentsystem employing a cannula assembly provided with an inner cannulahaving an aspiration aperture that can undergo displacement within anouter cannula mounted with respect to a hand-supportable housing, and abipolar electro-cautery apparatus mounted about the aspiration apertureof said cannula assembly, said controller comprising: a control consolehaving (i) a plurality of switches for selecting a desired cannulastroke length dimension (i.e. inches or centimeters) for measurement anddisplay and for enabling and disabling electro-cautery functionselection, (ii) a plurality of indicators for indicating Power ON/OFFfunction selection, cannula stroke length dimension selection, andelectro-cautery enable/disable function selection, and (iii) a pair ofdisplay panels for displaying graphical) indications of inner cannulareciprocation rate (in cycles/sec) and inner cannula position measuredby the cannula position sensor mounted within the hand-supportableliposuction instrument.
 2. The controller of claim 1, which furthercomprises: (iv) a LCD-based panel for displaying measured numericalvalues for the instantaneous rate of reciprocation for the inner cannulaand the instantaneous stroke length thereof.
 3. The controller of claim2, which further comprises: a controller housing mounting a multi-core(i.e. air-supply/RF-power-signal/control-signal) connector assembly, andproviding an input port for receiving RF power signals generated from anexternal RF signal source, and an input port for receiving a source ofpressurized air to drive said air-powered tissue-aspiration instrumentsystem.
 4. An air-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system, wherein(i) analog voltage input signals are generated from within the poweredinstrument and supplied as analog input voltage signals to anintelligent instrument controller for detection, A/D conversion anddigital signal processing, (ii) digital voltage output control signalsare generated within the intelligent instrument controller and suppliedas output voltage signals to the powered instrument and also theair-control valve assembly within the instrument controller so as togenerate the pair of pressurized air-supply streams that are supplied tothe liposuction instrument via the multi-port connector assembly, and(iii) an analog control voltage output signal is generated within theintelligent instrument controller and supplied to the control input portof the external RF signal source (i.e. generator) to generate an RFpower signal and to supply the same to the instrument controller forcontrolled delivery to the electro-cauterizing dual cannula assembly ofthe powered instrument.
 5. An air-powered tissue-aspiration instrumentsystem comprising (i) a hand-supportable air-powered instrument havingan electro-cauterizing dual-cannula assembly and a multi-core (i.e.air-supply/RF-power/control-signal) connector assembly; and (ii) aninstrument controller designed to (i) receive a pressurized air flowfrom an pressurized air source and RF power signals from a RF powersignal generator, both external to said instrument controller, and to(ii) supply a pair of pressurized air streams and RF power signals tothe hand-supportable instrument during instrument operation.
 6. Theair-powered tissue-aspiration instrument system of claim 5, wherein amulti-core connector assembly is provided comprising: (i) a firstmulti-port connector adapted for installation in the rear end portion ofthe powered instrument housing as well as through the wall of theintelligent instrument controller (as the case may be) and having a pairof pressurized air-flow ports and a multi-pin electrical port forsupporting the communication of RF power signals between the instrumentcontroller and liposuction instrument and the communication ofelectrical control signals between the instrument controller andinstrument; and (ii) a second multi-port connector plug mated to thefirst multi-port connector and adapted for connection to a multi-corecable structure including a pair of air-supply tubes, a pair of RF powersignal wires, and a set of electrical control signal wires, all of whichis encased within a flexible plastic casing.
 7. The air-poweredtissue-aspiration instrument system of claim 6, wherein the flexibleaspiration tubing connected to the inner cannula is routed out throughan exit port formed in the side surface of its hand-supportable housing.